Baku, October 29, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India suffered a 1-2 defeat to Afghanistan in the FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival Azerbaijan 2026 quarter-final for positions 81 to 88 at the Hovsan Competition Complex Pitch 1A in Baku on Thursday.
Despite creating early scoring opportunities, India conceded goals to Mohammad Mustafa in the 15th minute and Shahzada Sultani in the 27th. Nibas Meetei Wahengbam pulled one back in the second half, but the Indian side could not find an equaliser.
India started brightly and came close to opening the scoring in the sixth minute. R Lalremruatfela sent a low cross from the left that the Afghanistan goalkeeper spilled, but Victor Lalawmpuia could not react in time. The loose ball then fell to Lalremruatfela, whose left-footed attempt forced the goalkeeper to make a diving save.
Three minutes later, Nibas played a through ball towards Lalawmpuia. However, the Afghanistan goalkeeper rushed off his line to collect the ball before the Indian forward could reach it.
Afghanistan broke the deadlock against the run of play in the 15th minute. Sultani delivered a cross from the left, and Mustafa escaped the marking of Birjit Singh Amom before connecting with a right-footed volley to put his team ahead.
India’s challenge became tougher in the 27th minute following a defensive mistake. Under pressure from Khair Mohammad Nazari, Nara Meitei Loushambam misplaced a pass that was intercepted by Sultani. The Afghanistan forward then worked his way past the Indian defenders before unleashing a powerful shot into the roof of the net at the near post.
India attempted to respond through counterattacks but struggled to make the most of their corners and set-piece opportunities. Their persistence paid off in the 37th minute when Lalremruatfela controlled a long ball inside the penalty area and laid it off for Nibas, who finished confidently to reduce the deficit.
India pushed hard for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Afghanistan’s defence held firm to secure the victory.
India will next take on Kazakhstan in the semi-final for positions 85 to 88 later on Thursday, with kick-off scheduled for 7:45 p.m. IST. Kazakhstan entered the match after losing its quarter-final against Hungary.
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