Gangte Hat-Trick Gives India U17 a 4-2 Comeback Win Over Singapore in Asian Cup Qualifying
The captain scored three times in Kuala Lumpur as India came from behind to open their Group E campaign for the 2027 AFC U17 Asian Cup.
What happened
India's under-17 team came from behind to beat Singapore 4-2 at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium on Wednesday 11 November 2026, in their first match of Group E in qualifying for the 2027 AFC U17 Asian Cup. Captain Dallalmuon Gangte scored a hat-trick.
Singapore led in the 27th minute, when Izzan Farid took advantage of a delayed clearance and scored from close range. Gangte equalised two minutes later, turning his marker after a chipped pass from Sailex Oinam and finding the near post with a low left-footed shot. It was 1-1 at half-time.
Gangte put India ahead from the penalty spot in the 61st minute after Hrishikesh Charan Manavathi was fouled. Farid headed Singapore level from a corner four minutes later. Gangte completed his hat-trick in the 82nd minute, scoring on the rebound after goalkeeper Ilhan Rezal parried a shot from substitute David Mangang Irom. Another substitute, Ristik Maity, made it 4-2 in the 88th minute by turning the loose ball into an empty net.
Why it matters
Only the winner of the five-team Group E qualifies for the finals in Uzbekistan, which run from 12 to 29 May 2027. That leaves little room for dropped points. In the other match, Palestine beat Guam 5-0, so Palestine lead the group on goal difference after the first round. India, coached by Mehrajuddin Wadoo, are aiming for back-to-back appearances at the finals, having qualified for the 2026 edition with a 2-1 win over Iran in Ahmedabad in November 2025.
Key facts
- Score: Singapore 2-4 India (half-time 1-1).
- India scorers: Gangte 29', 61' (penalty), 82'; Maity 88'.
- Singapore scorer: Izzan Farid 27', 65'.
- Venue: Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium, Malaysia.
What happens next
India play Guam on 14 November, Palestine on 17 November and hosts Malaysia on 20 November. The match against Palestine is likely to decide who tops the group. All of India's matches are streamed on the FAMTV Malaysia YouTube channel.
