India suffered their first defeat of the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, falling 0&ndash;2 to a well-structured Lebanon side in their penultimate Group D match at the EKA Arena in Ahmedabad on Friday.
Despite the setback, India remain in contention for qualification and now face a must-win clash against group leaders Iran on Sunday. 
Only a victory will send Bibiano Fernandes&rsquo; team to the AFC U17 Asian Cup for the 10th time.
Iran, who defeated Palestine 3&ndash;1 earlier in the day, lead the group with seven points from three matches. 
Lebanon, with six points from four games, have completed their campaign and are out of the qualification race. 
India sit third with four points but can top the group on head-to-head criteria if they defeat Iran. 
Chinese Taipei and Palestine are already eliminated.
Lebanon struck twice in the first half through Antoine Assaf in the 26th minute and Paul Maakaroun in the 38th. 
India ended the match with 10 men after Thonggoumang Touthang received a red card in stoppage time.
Lebanon applied early pressure and capitalised on a defensive lapse to take the lead. 
A mistake on the left flank allowed Anthony Chahine to advance and deliver a low cross that found Assaf unmarked. 
His precise left-footed finish sailed into the top corner beyond goalkeeper Rajrup Sarkar.
India nearly equalised moments later when Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam surged through midfield, but Lebanese goalkeeper Jason Finianos reacted sharply to deny him.
Lebanon remained dominant and doubled their advantage when Abbas Zreik drove in from the left and set up Maakaroun, whose strike deflected off Shubham Poonia and wrong-footed Sarkar.
India displayed greater intent in the second half but struggled to penetrate Lebanon&rsquo;s compact defence. 
Half-chances failed to materialise into goals, and frustration grew late in the game, culminating in Touthang&rsquo;s dismissal.
India&rsquo;s qualification hopes now hinge entirely on their final-day showdown against Iran.
&mdash;IANS

India U17 players struggle against disciplined Lebanon

India fall 0–2 to Lebanon and now face must-win clash against Iran

Lebanon Beat India 2–0 In U17 Qualifiers

India fall 0–2 to Lebanon and now face must-win clash against Iran

November 29, 2025 | 10:34 IST