India made a winning start to its AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers campaign with an impressive 4-2 victory over Singapore at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Malaysia on Wednesday, powered by a brilliant hat-trick from captain Dallalmoun Gangte.
The Blue Colts twice recovered from setbacks before taking control of the Group E encounter, with substitute Ristik Maity adding a late goal to seal all three points.
Singapore drew first blood in the 27th minute when Izzan Farid capitalised on a defensive mistake by Leo Thongbam, who delayed his clearance and allowed the striker to steal possession and score from close range.
However, India responded almost immediately. Just two minutes later, Sailex Oinam delivered a clever chipped pass into the penalty area, where Gangte controlled the ball, turned past his defender and fired a low left-footed shot into the net.
India continued to threaten through Kamgouhao Doungel, Lawmsangzuala and Mukundo Singh Ningthoujam, while Mohammed Sahir Ali’s pace caused problems for Singapore’s defence.
The teams entered half-time level at 1-1, but India regained the advantage shortly after the hour mark.
Hrishikesh Charan Manavathi was brought down inside the penalty area by Leo Chin Hee Caled following a pass from Doungel. Chinese referee Dan Ning awarded a penalty, which Gangte confidently converted in the 61st minute.
Singapore refused to surrender and equalised four minutes later. Farid rose unmarked to head home a corner delivered by Saw Tian Zhi, completing his brace and restoring parity.
With the contest heading towards its closing stages, India stepped up its attacking intensity.
Substitute David Mangang Irom produced a powerful effort that goalkeeper Ilhan Rezal could only parry into Gangte’s path. The Indian captain reacted quickly, scoring his third goal in the 82nd minute to put his team ahead 3-2.
India then secured the result in the 88th minute through Maity. After Gangte’s initial attempt was blocked by the Singapore goalkeeper, Maity reacted fastest to slot the loose ball into an empty net.
Despite Singapore’s late pressure, India’s defence held firm to complete an encouraging opening victory.
The result gives the Blue Colts valuable momentum as they aim to progress from Group E.
India will next face bottom-placed Guam on November 14, followed by a potentially crucial meeting with group leader Palestine on November 17. The team will conclude its scheduled group fixtures against host Malaysia on November 20.
