India U17 draw 1-1 with Myanmar in first international friendly in Thanlyin
India U17 fought back to draw 1-1 with Myanmar U17 in their first international friendly at the StarCity Sports Club in Thanlyin, Myanmar on Sunday, October 4, 2026. Myanmar opened the scoring through Aung Myat Thar in the 42nd minute before Dallalmuon Gangte levelled from the penalty spot in the 72nd minute.
Both sides started with visible enthusiasm, but Myanmar took the lead against the run of play. The hosts were allowed a deep run from the top of the box which led to the opening goal.
Aung Myat Thar’s first effort was blocked by defender Abhishek Kumar Mondal, but the ball rolled back to him and he hit a firm, low right-footer that squeezed between the outstretched legs of goalkeeper Maroof Shafi. Until that moment Maroof had controlled the 18-yard box and Myanmar’s earlier efforts had mostly produced only a couple of shots skimming the crossbar.
One minute after falling behind, Mehrajuddin Wadoo’s side nearly restored parity when Hrishikesh Charan Manavathi outjumped defenders to head a Maldino Singh Yumnam lob into the center, only for goalkeeper Wai Yan Htet to turn it over the bar as Myanmar held their lead into half-time.
After the break India showed increased urgency and launched a series of attacks, but Myanmar’s deep-lying defence remained compact. Skipper Dallalmuon Gangte controlled the midfield, switching play and initiating moves, while Lawmsangzuala and Kamgouhao Doungel provided strong support as the Indians threatened on several occasions.
As the match progressed India intensified their pressure and Gangte had a couple of attempts blocked. In the 72nd minute he barged into the box from the left and was brought down by Htoo Lwin Han; Gangte took the awarded penalty and placed it firmly to substitute goalkeeper Shin Thant Htoo’s right to restore parity.
Despite dominating the remainder of the contest, India were unable to find a winner thanks to a stubborn Myanmar defence. India U17 Men XI: Maroof Shafi (GK), Lawmsangzuala, R Lawmsangzuala, Hrishikesh Charan Manavathi, Mukundo Singh Ningthoujam, Md Sahir Ali, Maldino Singh Yumnam, Abhishek Kumar Mondal, Leo Thongbam, Kamgouhao Doungel, Dallalmuon Gangte (C).
The two sides will meet again in a second friendly at the same venue on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. Both matches form part of India’s preparations for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2027 Qualifiers.