The Indian U17 football team routed the Kuwait football team 3-0 in the AFC Under 17 Asian CUP. India picked up a crucial win in their AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2023 Qualifiers campaign in the early hours of Thursday at the Prince Saud Bin Jalawi Stadium in Al Khobar.

AFC U17 Asian Cup: India U-17 beat Kuwait 3-0

INDIA 3-0 KUWAIT

Earlier India U-17 got off its qualifying campaign in Group D to a flying start with a 5-0 win over the Maldives in its first match. A brace from Thanglalsoun Gangte, along with a goal from Korou, got India all three points against strong Kuwaiti team. It took them only sixteen minutes to find the lead. A superb long ball found Korou in space down the right, who lays it on a plate for Gangte. He made no mistake with the finish.

Three minutes later, skipper Vanlalpeka Guite stung the palms of the Kuwait custodian with a low, fizzing shot that was saved. The pressure continued to build and the reward came in the 16th minute as Bibiano Fernandes’ side took the lead.

The first came when Korou received the ball in space inside the penalty area. However, he lost his footing at the key moment and his shot is blocked. Lalpekhlua’s curling effort went wide denying another chance. Korou finally found the net in the 66th minute. Skipper Guite fired in an inviting low cross from the left and Korou slammed it home.

This extended the lead for the Blue Colts. India found their final goal in about 10 minutes later. Another blistering counter-attack from India saw the goal. Lalpekhlua delivered a fine cross and Gangte slided home the finish.

Securing two back-to-back wins, Kuwait was a strong opponent. However, India held their stance from the first itself. This was India’s second game in the AFC U17 & Asian Cup Qualifiers Group D. With this win, India are now on top of the group.