Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Apr 21: The India national under-17 football team went down 1-5 against the United Arab Emirates national under-17 football team in their second closed-door friendly match on Tuesday in Thailand.
Played at the Windmill Football Club, the UAE dominated proceedings early, scoring in the 3rd, 6th, 13th, 22nd, and 52nd minutes. India managed a late consolation goal through Dallalmuon Gangte in the 89th minute.
The result comes after India had edged the UAE 1-0 in their first friendly last week, showing mixed outcomes in their preparation phase.
These matches are part of both teams’ build-up to the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026. The Indian side, also known as the Blue Colts, is scheduled to play two more preparatory matches against Qatar national under-17 football team on April 25 and 28 in Doha.
In the tournament, to be held in Jeddah, India has been drawn in Group D alongside Australia national under-17 football team, Uzbekistan national under-17 football team, and North Korea national under-17 football team. India will face Australia on May 6, Uzbekistan on May 10, and DPR Korea on May 13.
Earlier in their preparation campaign, coach Bibiano Fernandes’s side played friendlies in Lopburi, Thailand, drawing 2-2 with Thailand national under-17 football team, defeating Indonesia national under-17 football team 3-0, and losing 1-2 to South Korea national under-17 football team.
The team has been training extensively, including a camp in Kolkata, as they gear up for the continental tournament.