India's U17 men's national football team produced a determined fightback to hold Myanmar to a 1-1 draw in the first of two friendly matches at the StarCity Sports Club in Thanlyin, Myanmar, on Sunday, 4 October 2025. Captain Dallalmuon Gangte converted a penalty in the 73rd minute to cancel out an earlier Myanmar strike and earn the Blue Colts a share of the spoils.

How Myanmar Took the Lead

The hosts broke the deadlock against the run of play in the 42nd minute. Myanmar striker Aung Myat Thar drove deep from the top of the box; his initial effort was blocked by defender Abhishek Kumar Mondal, but the rebound fell kindly to the striker, who produced a firm, low right-footed shot that squeezed between the outstretched legs of India goalkeeper Maroof Shafi.

Until that moment, Shafi had commanded his penalty area effectively, denying Myanmar's forwards any meaningful opportunities. A couple of efforts had grazed the crossbar, but the visitors' goal had largely been untroubled.

Blue Colts' Response and the Equaliser

Almost immediately after conceding, India came agonisingly close to a swift reply when tall striker Hrishikesh Charan Manavathi outjumped the Myanmar defence to head a lofted ball from Maldino Singh Yumnam into the danger area. Myanmar custodian Wai Yan Htet, however, pulled off a sharp reflex save to tip it over the bar, ensuring the hosts went into the interval a goal ahead.

After the restart, head coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo's side displayed renewed urgency, pushing forward in waves. Gangte dictated the tempo from midfield, switching play across both flanks, while Lawmsangzuala and Kamgouhao Doungel offered energetic support to keep Myanmar pinned back. In the 72nd minute, Gangte burst into the left side of the box before being brought down by Htoo Lwin Han. The skipper stepped up and slotted the spot-kick confidently to the right of substitute goalkeeper Shin Thant Htoo, levelling at 1-1.

Late Indian Pressure Goes Unrewarded

India pressed for a winner in the closing stages, sustaining the attacking momentum and carving out several promising positions. Gangte himself had a couple of efforts blocked as the Blue Colts sought to capitalise on their dominance. Yet Myanmar's deep-lying defensive structure held firm throughout, and the match ended all square.

What Comes Next

The two sides are scheduled to meet again at the same StarCity Sports Club venue on Wednesday for the second friendly fixture. The series provides India's U17 squad with valuable competitive exposure ahead of upcoming continental competitions, and coach Wadoo will look to convert the team's territorial superiority into a victory in the rematch.