India U17 Falls Short In 1-3 Battle Against Indonesia Despite Strong Comeback Effort

The India U17 men’s team faced a 1-3 defeat against Indonesia U17 in the first of two friendly matches held at the Kapten I Wayan Dipta Stadium in Gianyar, Indonesia, on Sunday. The two teams are set to meet again at the same venue on Tuesday at 17:30 IST.

India encountered an early challenge when the hosts were awarded a penalty in the 15th minute. Mierza Firjatullah outmaneuvered the goalkeeper and headed for the by-line before being fouled by Mohammed Kaif, resulting in a yellow card for Kaif. Evandra Florasta capitalized on the penalty, sending Aheibam Suraj Singh in the wrong direction to give Indonesia the lead.

India attempted to respond with several chances, with their first shot on target arriving in the 23rd minute when Bharat Lairenjam forced a low save from Dafa Setiawarman with a shot just outside the box. A minute later, the Blue Colts came agonizingly close to equalizing as Ahongshangbam Samson’s left-footed half-volley from 25 yards hit the crossbar.

At the other end, Suraj remained active, making a crucial one-on-one save against Firjatullah and stopping a free-kick from Fabio Azkairawan. Five minutes before halftime, India had another close call when a back pass from Mathew Baker wrong-footed the Indonesian goalkeeper, allowing Bharat to steal the ball, but captain Putu Panji cleared it off the line.

Just three minutes into the second half, India had a prime opportunity to equalize when Setiawarman rushed out of his box to clear a long ball, but Vishal Yadav beat him to it and chipped the ball, only for it to fall inches wide of the post. India paid the price for the miss as Indonesia doubled their lead in the 51st minute. Although Suraj saved Firjatullah’s initial shot, the defense failed to clear the rebound, allowing Fandi Ahmad to drill the ball into the bottom corner with his left foot.

Less than two minutes later, India finally found the net. Levis Zangminlun’s left-footed shot hit the post, but the rebound fell kindly to him, and he easily slotted it into the empty net, making it 2-1. Shortly after, Ishfaq Ahmed’s side nearly scored a second goal, but Bharat’s unmarked header from Levis’ precise cross went off target.

However, Indonesia extinguished India’s comeback hopes when Firjatullah scored his second goal in the 62nd minute. He was sent through on goal and fired a low shot past Suraj’s near post.

As rain began to pour in Gianyar, fewer opportunities were created in the final half hour. Although substitutes Hemneichung Lunkim and Manbhakupar Malngiang brought renewed energy to India’s attack, the Blue Colts couldn’t break through Indonesia’s defense again, with much of the last 15 minutes played in the host’s half.