Antalya (Türkiye), Feb 10 (.) The India Under-17 men’s team went down 0-1 to hosts Türkiye in the first of two friendly matches at the Emirhan Sport Center in Manavgat on Tuesday.
According to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) website, the friendly is part of India’s preparations for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026, with the Blue Colts set to face Türkiye again at the same venue on February 12.
Türkiye took the lead early in the contest, scoring in the 13th minute from the penalty spot after Lawmsangzuala brought down Eymen Erdoğan inside the box. The 1. FC Köln winger stepped up and calmly converted the spot-kick, placing the ball into the bottom left corner.
In the 26th minute, Denny Singh Wangkhem came close to equalising when he met Md Aimaan Bin’s lofted cross, but his header narrowly missed the far post.
Captain Dallalmuon Gangte fired a 20-yard free kick just over the crossbar in the 37th minute. Gangte later had India’s only shot on target in the 67th minute, but his left-footed effort from 25 yards was comfortably gathered by Turkish goalkeeper Sadullah Kabakuşak.
Türkiye had a chance to double their advantage late in the match after being awarded another penalty in the 85th minute, following a foul by Korou Meitei Konthoujam on Alaettin Ekici. However, Ekici sent his effort over the crossbar, allowing India to stay within touching distance.
Despite the narrow defeat, the Indian side showed improved organisation and attacking intent as the match progressed. The second friendly between the two teams will be played on February 12.
India U17: Rajrup Sarkar (GK), Shubham Poonia, Korou Meitei Konthoujam, Moosa Ashiq Sofi, Dallalmuon Gangte (Mukundo Singh Ningthoujam 90’), Lawmsangzuala, Md Aimaan Bin, Heeranganba Seram (Rahan Ahmed 46’), Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam, Denny Singh Wangkhem (Diamond Singh Thokchom 81’), Yuvraj Kadam (Lesvin Rebelo 65’).
. VAN .