Clinical Australia punish wasteful India in AFC U-17 Asian Cup Group D opener

India’s AFC U-17 Asian Cup campaign got off to a disappointing start as they went down 4–0 to Australia U-17 in their opening fixture. There were glimpses of promise, but Bibiano Fernandes’ side were made to pay for defensive errors and a lack of clinical finishing.

Australia got off to a dream start, scoring as early as the fifth minute through Luke Becvinovski. The early goal set the tone for the first half, with Australia dictating the tempo and forcing India into their own half. To their credit, India slowly grew into the game, trying to keep possession and slow the pace. But just as they were starting to find their rhythm, there was another setback. A rash challenge in the box resulted in India conceding a needless penalty in the 30th minute. Max Court stepped up and coolly slotted it home from the spot to double Australia’s lead and put India under pressure as they headed into the sheds at half-time.

The second half saw a more spirited Indian performance. The Young Tigers came out of the break with clear purpose, pressing higher up the field and showing greater attacking intent. They troubled Australia’s full-backs with their high press at times but were not clinical enough in front of goal. Washington Singh and Raj Singh Wahengbam both had clear opportunities to score but failed to convert, missing chances that could have shifted the match’s momentum.

Gunleiba and Gangte looked promising in midfield, but it was not enough to keep the Australians on the back foot. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Rajrup Sarkar put in a solid display, making several important saves to prevent the scoreline from becoming more one-sided.

However, as India pushed for a goal, gaps began to appear at the back, which Australia exploited late in the game. The third goal came in the 74th minute from Luke Demuth, effectively ending any hopes of a comeback. Henrique Oliveira added a fourth with a brilliant left-footed finish in the 86th minute, completing a resounding victory for the Australians. The 4–0 scoreline may appear one-sided, but it does not fully reflect the effort India put in, especially in the second half. In the end, lack of efficiency in front of goal and defensive discipline proved decisive.

India now turn their focus to a crucial clash against Uzbekistan on 10 May. The Young Tigers still have qualification hopes alive but will need to regroup quickly and deliver a far more clinical and composed performance in what is now a must-win encounter.

India U-17 XI: Rajrup Sarkar (GK), Shubham Poonia, Korou Meitei Konthoujam, Moosa Ashiq, Azlaan Shah Kh, Washington Singh, Dallalmuon Gangte (C), Dawmsangzuala, Md Aimaan Bin, Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam, Wangkhem Denny Singh.

Australia U-17 XI: Charlie Wilson-Papps (GK), Besian Kutleshi (C), Miles Milliner, Sajjad Nasiri, Oliver O’Carroll, Luke Becvinovski, Max Court, Archie Mitchell, Emile Katrib, Akeem Gerald, Henrique Oliveira.

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