Lebanon hand India’s first defeat of AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers

AHMEDABAD: (Nov 28) India slipped to a 0-2 loss against an organised and disciplined Lebanon side in their penultimate Group D clash of the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers at the EKA Arena here on Friday.

Antoine Assaf (26th minute) and Paul Maakaroun (38th) were the goal scorers for Lebanon.

Despite suffering their first defeat of the Qualifiers, India remain alive in the qualification race, and will face group leaders Iran in a do-or-die match on Sunday. Only a victory in that match will secure India’s passage to the AFC U17 Asian Cup for the 10th time in history.