India 2-1 Iran Highlights, AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers: Blue Colts Stun Visitors To Seal Qualification

Good Evening to all our readers joining us for the all important match between India and Iran. The winner is guaranteed to secure qualification for next year's AFC U17 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia. Stay tuned for the build-up, playing XI update and live scores.

India Vs Iran on the final matchday of the AFC U17 Asian Cup qualifiers will start from 7:30PM (IST) onwards at the EKA arena in Ahmedabad. The match will be live streamed on the FIFA+ app/website.

The Blue Colts began their campaign with a frustrating 1-1 draw against Palestine before beating Chinese Taipei 2-0. In their previous (3rd) match, India suffered their first defeat against Lebanon.

Despite being in 3rd in the points table, India still have a chance to qualify for next year's U17 Asian Cup. All that they need to do tonight is secure all 3 points and qualification is guaranteed.

But what about Iran, who have a better goal difference? The head-to-head records have more importance than goal difference in ranking criteria for the U17 Asian qualifiers.

Therefore, the Blue Colts have a better chance of sealing their ticket to Saudi Arabia next year.

India U17: Rajrup Sarkar (GK); Shubham Poonia, Meitei Konthoujam, Lawmsangzuala, Aimaan Bin; Dallalmuon Gangte (C), Mukundo Singh, Denny Singh; Lesvin Rebelo, Heeranganba Seram and Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam

Iran U17: Bardiya Dorri (GK), Afrooziani, Pouya Esmi, Md. Ali Rahnama, Mohammadtaha Kaviani, Jafar Asadi, Pouya Jafari, Amirreza Valipoor, Mahan Beheshti (C), Abbas Rafie and Amirmohammad Afrasyabi

We know Iran will be physical, direct, and intense. We will have to manage our defence and transitions carefully, and try to exploit moments when we gain possession. At the same time, we will play our game, and not just react

Both the teams are out on the field for the pre-match handshakes and national anthems. Iran first and then India.

We are underway at the EKA Arena in Ahmedabad for this all-important clash between India and Iran. Remember - winner takes all.

The hosts will start from left to right and the visitors will start from right to left in the 1st half.

Iran have started positively in the opening 10 minutes of the game. They have created two goal-scoring opportunities already but goalkeeper Rajrup Sarkar was solid between the posts, saving both of the shots.

Indian striker Lesvin Rebelo falls head first after a collision with an Iranian defender. That must have hurt Rebelo, who has got up after coping the knock and is ready to play again.

Sensational finish from the Iranian number 9 to help his side take the lead in this all-important fixture. India, who only need a victory to go through, have been extremely poor across all departments.

The defence was split open in the build-up as Amirreza Valipoor received the ball in the middle of the box. He takes a beautiful first touch with his right thigh to set up a left-footed shot towards the left-bottom corner.

Iran all over India at the moment. The hosts have seen very less of the ball as they have been doing most of the defense in the first 30 minutes. Bibiano Fernandes will have a lot of work to do in the next 45 minutes.

India have defended well since conceding the first goal in the 18th minute, but the attacking front still remains a concern. The wingers will have to be more efficient with their crosses.

Penalty for India and skipper Gangte buries it past the goalkeeper to bring things back on level terms and the EKA arena has erupted. Herangba Serma was taken down by the Iranian defence inside the box and the referee straight up pointed towards the penalty spot.

That's it for the first-half! India have equalled the scoring with a successful penalty from Gangte, who netted his 4th goal of the AFC U17 Asian Cup qualifiers.

The Blue Colts started on the backfoot, and their defensive mix-ups saw them concede the opening goal. However, since then, the youngsters have shown great intent and thanks to the Iranian defenders, they were awarded a penalty.

We are back underway for the 2nd half of this exciting encounter between India and Iran. The game had started positively for the Iranians, but the Blue Colts responded right before the end of 1st half.

Indian fans get in!!! A costly mistake from the Iranian defense helps the Blue Colts take the lead at the EKA Arena in Ahmedabad. Gunleiba with a stunning left-footed strike and it goes past the goalkeeper, who could have done better.

What a chance for Iran! The visitors win a free-kick in a dangerous position, some 20 yards away from the goal. Skipper Beheshti curls one towards the far top corner, but Rajrup is alert and gets a crucial hand to parry it behind for a corner.

With Iran trying to slow down the tempo of the match, India try to introduce some pace up front by bringing on Raham Ahmed. He is almost freed with a long ball from the Indian box, but the ball goes out of play.

With less than 10 minutes of normal time remaining, Iran have overloaded the Indian box, with just the two centre backs staying in Iran's half. India have resorted to last-ditch defending to keep their lead alive, which is the only thing that can keep their qualification hopes intact. Iran, meanwhile, need just one more goal to go through.

The regulation time is up, and India's slender lead is intact – just somehow. India are defending with all 10 players behind the ball, essentially parking the bus. The fourth official indicates a minimum of five minutes to be added on. Five more minutes for India to hold on to.

India have done it!!!!! The referee blows the full time whistle, and the Indian bench erupts in joy. They have held on to defeat the mighty Iran side to seal qualification to the Asian Cup 2026 in Saudi Arabia.

This is what the qualification table looks like: