India Under-17 footballers down Myanmar 2-1 in a friendly match in Yangon

India proved superior to Myanmar as they cruised to a 2-1 win in a friendly game at the Thwunna Stadium in Yangon, Myanmar, on Tuesday.

Washington Singh Ngangom (11’) and Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam (24’) put the India Under-17 team two goals ahead in the first half. While Myanmar Under-17 boys mounted a comeback after half-time with Myint Myat Ko Ko (54’) getting on the scoresheet, the Blue Colts held on for the win.

India relied on counter attacks to open up the Myanmar defence for both their goals, Gunleiba playing a major role on the left wing on both occasions.

In the 11th minute, Gunleiba broke on the counter down the left, before feeding it down the centre to Washington, who only had the goalkeeper to beat. The latter finished off his chance at the near post.

Gunleiba turned from provider to scorer in the 24th minute, when captain Dallalmoun Gangte fed him a through ball that set him free behind the Myanmar defence. Aiming from a rather tight angle, Gunleiba’s snapshot nestled into the side-netting to double the Blue Colts’ lead.

India hold on to advantage

Myanmar tried to make their way back into the game in the second half and could only reply through a set-piece. Captain Ant Htoo Paing swung a long-range free-kick into the Indian box, as Myint headed it in.

India held on despite the second-half setback, earning their first victory in Myanmar, as they prepare for the AFC Under-17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026, set to be held later this year.

Result: Myanmar 1 (Myint Myat Ko Ko 54’) lost to India 2 (Washington Singh Ngangom 11’, Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam 24’).