India secured their second consecutive victory at the inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup 2026, defeating Cameroon 2-1 in a tightly contested Group K clash at the Hovsan Competition Complex Pitch 1B in Baku on Sunday, 25 October 2026. The result makes India the only team in Group K to have won both their matches, strengthening their qualification push.

Key Moments and Goals

The Blue Colts drew first blood in the opening minute when Deepak Singh Arambam's corner caused chaos inside the Cameroon box, forcing Fareil Ngobo into an attempted clearance that looped into his own net (1'). Despite India's early advantage, Cameroon grew into the game and levelled just before the interval — Ndam Moctar's cross from the right deflected off Muhammad Sohil Khan to make it 1-1 in the 20th minute.

Captain R Lalremruatfela restored India's lead in the 27th minute of the second half, composed enough to guide a first-time, left-footed finish into the bottom corner after substitute Ronandev Aheibam won possession and fed Deepak, whose measured low cross picked out the skipper in the box.

Jenit Ningthoujam's Heroics in Goal

Goalkeeper Jenit Ningthoujam was arguably the game's standout performer, producing a string of critical stops that kept India ahead. He denied a Cameroon free-kick in the 16th minute, blocked Randy Ngome's close-range attempt a minute later, and smothered a tight-angle effort from Moctar in the 18th minute. His most decisive intervention came in the 32nd minute, when he saved Harouna Abdoulaye's penalty — awarded after Nara Meitei Loushambam handled a shot inside the area — to preserve India's one-goal cushion.

Tactical Picture and India's Resilience

Head coach Bibiano Fernandes' side demonstrated defensive discipline throughout, closing down opponents in one-on-one situations and executing timely sliding tackles despite challenging rainy conditions at the Baku venue. India also continued to threaten on the counter: Ronandev tested Cameroon goalkeeper Sunny-Hansel Ndeh with a fierce strike in the 33rd minute, before Ndeh tipped Soumojit Sarkar's free-kick over the bar two minutes later. India managed the closing stages calmly, holding their shape to see out the result.

What This Means for Group K

The win consolidates India's position at the top of Group K, making them the sole team with a perfect record in the group at this stage of the tournament. This is a historic moment for Indian youth football — the country's first appearance at a FIFA U15 World Cup — and back-to-back victories signal that the Blue Colts are genuine contenders to advance to the knockout rounds. The result will also buoy domestic football development programmes that have prioritised grassroots investment over the past decade.