India held 3-3 by Grenada after squandering 3-0 lead at FIFA U15 World Cup
Synopsis
India led 3-0 with 11 minutes to go — and then Grenada took it all back. The Blue Colts' 3-3 draw at the FIFA U15 World Cup in Baku is a cautionary tale of concentration lapses at the highest youth level, even as India stay top of Group K and unbeaten heading into Monday's crucial double-header against Bahrain and Senegal.
Key Takeaways
India were held to a 3-3 draw by Grenada in their third Group K match at the FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival Azerbaijan 2026 in Baku on 25 October .
India led 3-0 with just 11 minutes remaining before Jaywarni Noel (brace) and Kai Wilson levelled for Grenada.
Scorers for India: Macdonnish Ngairangbam (3'), C.
Lalhmingropuia (22'), Ronandev Aheibam (29').
India remain the only unbeaten team in Group K with seven points ; Cameroon and Senegal trail on six points each.
India had also beaten Cameroon 2-1 earlier the same day — completing a gruelling double matchday in Baku.
India face Bahrain at 14:15 IST and Senegal at 21:00 IST on Monday, 26 October to conclude the group stage.
India's Blue Colts were held to a 3-3 draw by Grenada in their third Group K match at the FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival Azerbaijan 2026 on Sunday, 25 October, at the Hovsan Competition Complex Pitch 1B in Baku. Despite the result, India remain the only unbeaten side in Group K with seven points — though coach Bibiano Fernandes' side will rue surrendering a commanding three-goal advantage with just 11 minutes left.
How India Built the Lead
Macdonnish Ngairangbam opened the scoring in the 3rd minute, latching onto a precise through ball from Nibas Meetei Wahengbam and tapping past Grenada keeper Kharin Steele. India continued to press relentlessly, with R Lalremruatfela hitting the post and Macdonnish denied off the goal line before the break.
Skipper C. Lalhmingropuia doubled the lead in the 22nd minute with a powerful strike following a long ball from Soumojit Sarkar that bounced clear off a Grenada defender. Seven minutes later, Ronandev Aheibam capped a brilliant solo run — dancing past two defenders before slotting calmly into the net — to make it 3-0.
Grenada's Six-Minute Blitz
With the match seemingly settled, Grenada launched a stunning comeback. Jaywarni Noel struck twice and Kai Wilson added a long-range strike to level at 3-3 by the 37th minute, completing one of the more dramatic reversals of the tournament so far. Noel's second — a tap-in from a free-kick — secured the equaliser and ensured the points were shared.
A Double Matchday in Baku
Notably, this was India's second match of the day. Fernandes' side had earlier defeated Cameroon 2-1 in the morning fixture — a result that underlines the squad's resilience, even as the Grenada collapse raises questions about concentration in the closing stages.
Group K Standings and What's Next
Elsewhere in Group K, both Cameroon and Senegal recorded 6-1 wins against Laos and Bahrain respectively, keeping the qualification race tight. India lead the group on seven points; Cameroon and Senegal are joint second on six points each. Bahrain have four points, while Laos and Grenada have one apiece.
India close out the group stage on Monday, 26 October, facing Bahrain at 14:15 IST and then Senegal at 21:00 IST — two fixtures that will determine the final shape of the group and India's path into the knockout rounds.
Point of View
And Monday's fixtures against Bahrain and Senegal present a chance to restore confidence — but if India are to go deep in this tournament, the concentration deficit exposed by Grenada must be addressed before the knockout rounds.
NationPress
25 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of India vs Grenada at the FIFA U15 World Cup 2026?
India drew 3-3 with Grenada in their third Group K match at the FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival Azerbaijan 2026 on 25 October in Baku. India had led 3-0 before Grenada's Jaywarni Noel (two goals) and Kai Wilson completed a stunning six-minute comeback.
Who scored for India against Grenada?
Macdonnish Ngairangbam scored in the 3rd minute, skipper C. Lalhmingropuia added a second in the 22nd minute, and Ronandev Aheibam completed the tally with a solo effort in the 29th minute.
Where does India stand in Group K after the draw?
India remain the only unbeaten side in Group K with seven points after three matches. Cameroon and Senegal follow with six points each, Bahrain have four, and Laos and Grenada have one apiece.
What are India's remaining fixtures at the FIFA U15 World Cup 2026?
India face Bahrain at 14:15 IST and Senegal at 21:00 IST on Monday, 26 October, to conclude the Group K qualification stage of the FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival Azerbaijan 2026.
Who is coaching India at the FIFA U15 World Cup 2026?
India's U15 side is coached by Bibiano Fernandes. His team played two matches on 25 October, defeating Cameroon 2-1 in the morning before the 3-3 draw with Grenada in the afternoon.
