India started their qualifying campaign for the 2026 AFC Under-17 Asian Cup with a 1-1 draw against Palestine at the EKA Arena in Ahmedabad on Saturday.
Shubham Poonia and substitute Amir Jomah scored for India and Palestine respectively.
The Blue Colts have been placed in Group D, which also includes Chinese Taipei, Lebanon and Iran. Earlier in the day, Chinese Taipei played a goalless draw against Lebanon.
The hosts broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time in the 45th minute. Azlaan Shah’s cross from a corner found Poonia, who headed the ball towards goal. A slight deflection from a Palestinian player and a little help from the near post guided the ball into the back of the net.
In the second half, both teams kept up a hectic pace and created several chances. The efforts paid off for the team behind as Jomah shuffled through a pair of Indian defenders and unleashed a well-placed shot that nestled into the far post past Indian goalkeeper Rajrup Sarkar, who remained feet-first.
India will play Chinese Taipei at the same venue on November 26.
The seven group winners book their tickets for the continental tournament that will take place in Saudi Arabia next year.
Published on November 22, 2025
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