India’s U20 football team put up a valiant effort but ultimately fell short against four-time champions Iran in their second group match of the AFC U20 Asian Cup Qualifiers. Despite holding their formidable opponents at bay for most of the contest, India conceded a late goal in the 88th minute, handing Iran a 1-0 victory.
The Blue Colts displayed commendable resilience against a team considered among the traditional powers of Asian football. With three points from two matches, India’s hopes of finishing second in the group and advancing to the tournament proper remain alive. The top teams of the 10 groups, along with the five best second-place finishers, will qualify for the AFC U20 Asian Cup 2025 in China.
India, currently second in the group with a 4-2 goal difference, will face hosts Laos in their final match on Sunday. Laos lost 0-8 to Iran in their first match. Iran, with six points, remains at the top of the group.
The first half was a relatively even affair, with India holding their own against their skilled rivals. The Indians created several chances to break into the Iranian territory but were unable to capitalize. Iran, on the other hand, struggled to break through India’s resolute defense, with their first real opportunity coming in the 38th minute. However, striker Kasra Taheri’s header went over the bar.
India remained positive in the second half and continued to probe the Iranian defense. They had a strong penalty appeal turned down in the 54th minute, and Korou Singh Thingujam narrowly missed the target with a shot just before the hour mark.
As Iran grew increasingly frustrated in their search for a goal, they began to exert more pressure. They won a series of corners and forced India’s goalkeeper, Priyansh Dubey, into a diving save. However, the Indian resilience was finally broken in the 88th minute when substitute Yousef Mazraeh found the bottom corner of the net from inside the box.
Despite the defeat, India’s performance was a credit to their determination and tactical discipline. They will now look to secure a positive result against Laos in their final group match and keep their hopes of qualifying for the AFC U20 Asian Cup alive.
