India’s hopes of securing a higher finish at the FIFA Under-15 World Cup & Festival suffered another setback after the Blue Colts went down 1-2 against Afghanistan in a classification quarterfinal in Baku on Thursday.
The match, played at the Hovsan Competition Complex Pitch 1A, was part of the competition to determine positions 81 to 88. Despite creating several promising opportunities, India failed to recover from Afghanistan’s two-goal first-half advantage.
Mohammad Mustafa and Shahzada Sultani scored for Afghanistan, while Nibas Meetei Wahengbam pulled one back for India.
The Blue Colts made an encouraging start, putting Afghanistan’s defence under pressure in the opening minutes. Their first major opportunity arrived in the sixth minute when R. Lalremruatfela sent a dangerous low cross into the penalty area.
The Afghanistan goalkeeper failed to collect the ball cleanly, but Victor Lalawmpuia could not take advantage. India maintained the pressure, with Nibas recovering possession before Lalremruatfela forced the goalkeeper into a diving save.
Three minutes later, Nibas created another opening with a well-timed through ball towards Lalawmpuia. However, Afghanistan’s goalkeeper reacted quickly to prevent a potential scoring opportunity.
Despite India’s early dominance, Afghanistan struck first in the 15th minute.
Sultani delivered a cross from the left, allowing Mustafa to escape his marker, Birjit Singh Amom, and finish with a right-footed volley.
Afghanistan doubled its lead in the 27th minute after capitalising on a defensive mistake.
Khair Mohammad Nazari’s pressure forced Nara Meitei Loushambam into a misplaced pass, which Sultani intercepted. He then moved past the Indian defenders before firing a powerful shot into the roof of the net at the near post.
India refused to surrender and continued searching for a way back into the contest.
Their efforts were rewarded in the 37th minute when Lalremruatfela controlled a long pass inside the box and set up Nibas, who finished confidently to reduce the deficit.
The goal renewed India’s hopes of a comeback, but Afghanistan remained disciplined defensively and prevented the Blue Colts from finding an equaliser.
The result sends India into the semifinals for positions 85 to 88, where they will face Kazakhstan later on Thursday.
Kazakhstan also suffered defeat in its classification quarterfinal, losing to Hungary.
India will now look to bounce back against Kazakhstan and secure the best possible finishing position after another disappointing result in Baku.
