Australia Outclass India 4-0 in AFC U17 Asian Cup Opener

India’s AFC U17 Asian Cup campaign began on a disappointing note as Australia handed Bibiano Fernandes’ side a comprehensive 4-0 defeat in Jeddah on Wednesday. Defensive mistakes, lack of composure, and missed opportunities proved costly for the young Indian side against a clinical Australian outfit.

Australia struck early and immediately took control of the match. In the fourth minute, Luke Becvinovski scored from close range after India failed to clear danger inside the box. The early goal unsettled India, allowing Australia to dominate possession and dictate the pace of the game.

India did create a few promising moments in attack. Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam and Mohamed Bin came close in the first half, but the finishing touch was missing. Australia doubled their lead in the 29th minute when Max Court converted a penalty after Moosa Ashiq fouled Akeem Gerald inside the box.

Goalkeeper Rajrup Sarkar prevented further damage with a series of important saves before half-time, denying Court and Oliver O’Carroll on multiple occasions.

After the break, Fernandes introduced changes as India searched for a response. Kh Shah tested goalkeeper Charlie Wilson-Papps , while Wangkheirakpam narrowly missed with a header. However, Australia remained dominant and added two more goals through Luka Demuth in the 74th minute and Henrique Oliveira in the 86th.

The defeat exposed India’s defensive frailties and inability to convert chances at crucial moments. India will now face Uzbekistan on May 10 in a must-win Group D clash as they continue their fight for a place in the quarter-finals and qualification for the FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2026 .