Afghanistan Beat India 2-1 as Blue Colts’ Comeback Falls Short in FIFA U15 Tournament

India suffered a 1-2 defeat to Afghanistan in the quarter-finals for positions 81 to 88 at the FIFA U15 World Cup and Festival in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Thursday. Despite a late fightback, the Blue Colts could not find an equaliser after conceding twice.

Afghanistan opened the scoring against the run of play in the 15th minute when Mohammad Mustafa connected with a right-footed volley from Shahzada Sultani’s cross. Sultani doubled the lead in the 27th minute after intercepting a misplaced Indian pass, weaving past defenders and firing a powerful shot into the top corner at the near post.

India had started brightly and created several opportunities in the opening minutes. In the sixth minute, R Lalremruatfela’s low cross caused confusion in the Afghanistan defence, but the Blue Colts could not capitalise. Three minutes later, Nibas Meetei Wahengbam threaded a through ball towards Victor Lalawmpuia, but the Afghanistan goalkeeper came off his line to collect it.

After falling two goals behind, India attempted to respond through counterattacks but struggled to convert their corners and set pieces into clear scoring opportunities.

Their persistence paid off in the 37th minute when Lalremruatfela collected a long ball inside the penalty area and laid it off for Nibas, who finished calmly to reduce the deficit to 1-2.

The goal gave India renewed hope, and the team pressed forward in search of an equaliser during the remaining minutes. However, Afghanistan defended their advantage to secure the victory, leaving India disappointed despite their efforts to fight back.