India’s campaign in the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 came to a disappointing end after a 0-3 defeat to defending champions Uzbekistan in their final Group D match at the King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium.The loss also dashed India’s hopes of qualifying for the FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2026.
Needing a win to stay in contention after their heavy defeat to Australia in the opening match, the Blue Colts started cautiously. Uzbekistan dominated possession and created several chances, but goalkeeper Rajrup Sarkar kept India in the contest with a number of important saves.
India’s resistance ended in the 32nd minute when Laziz Abduraimov converted a penalty after Sarkar fouled him inside the box. India nearly equalised in the second half through Dallalmuon Gangte’s free-kick, which struck the crossbar.
Uzbekistan extended their lead in the 60th minute through an unfortunate own goal by Wangkhem Denny Singh before Akhrorbek Ravshanbekov sealed the win with a late third goal. The defeat marked another heartbreaking missed opportunity for India’s young footballers on the continental stage.
The defeat brought an end to India’s campaign and another painful near miss in their pursuit of a maiden on-merit qualification for the FIFA U17 World Cup.
(AIFF)
