Ahmedabad, Nov 28 (NationPress) India faced a 0-2 defeat against a well-organized and disciplined Lebanon team in their crucial Group D match of the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers held at the EKA Arena in Ahmedabad on Friday.

Despite suffering their first loss in the qualifiers, Bibiano Fernandes’ squad still has a chance to qualify, as they prepare to take on group leaders Iran in a must-win game on Sunday. Only a victory will ensure their spot in the AFC U17 Asian Cup for the 10th time in history.

With Iran securing a 3-1 victory over Palestine earlier in the day, they now hold seven points from three matches, while Lebanon, with six points, has completed all four games and is out of the contention.

Currently, India has four points and sits in third place. A win against Iran could potentially elevate them to the top (based on a better head-to-head record). Meanwhile, both Palestine and Chinese Taipei have yet to win and are eliminated, leaving only India and Iran to contend for the single qualification spot on the final matchday.

In their match against India, Lebanon struck twice in the first half with goals from Antoine Assaf in the 26th minute and Paul Maakaroun in the 38th minute. India concluded the match with 10 players after Thonggoumang Touthang was sent off during stoppage time in the second half.

India entered the match with confidence following a 3-1 victory over Chinese Taipei, but Lebanon had other plans. They pressed vigorously and exploited weaknesses in India's formation, posing more challenges than India's previous opponents.

The first goal came in the 26th minute due to an Indian error. A mistake on the left flank allowed Anthony Chahine to advance and pass the ball into the box, where Antoine Assaf was unmarked. Assaf's deft first touch set up a perfect angle, and he curled a stunning left-footed shot into the top corner, leaving Indian goalkeeper Rajrup Sarkar with no chance.

India nearly equalized immediately, with Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam breaking through midfield, but his effort was expertly saved by Lebanon’s vigilant goalkeeper, Jason Finianos.

Lebanon maintained control and extended their lead in the 38th minute when Abbas Zreik cut the ball back for Paul Maakaroun. Maakaroun's shot took a crucial deflection off Shubham Poonia, wrong-footing Sarkar and finding the back of the net.

With a 0-2 deficit, India faced a challenging second half. They displayed more effort but struggled to penetrate Lebanon's tightly organized defense. A few half-chances arose, but the result seemed certain.

To add to India's woes, Touthang received a red card during stoppage time after losing his temper, marking a disappointing end to the match.