Kuala Lumpur, November 11: India began their AFC U17 Asian Cup 2027 qualifying campaign impressively, registering a 4-2 victory over Singapore in their Group E opener at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium on Wednesday, with captain Dallalmoun Gangte delivering a match-winning hat-trick.

Despite falling behind in the 27th minute, the Blue Colts showed resilience to turn the contest around, with Gangte scoring twice before substitute Ristik Maity added a fourth goal in the closing stages to seal all three points for Mehrajuddin Wadoo’s side.

Gangte Rallied India’s Comeback After Early Setback

Singapore drew first blood when Izzan Farid capitalised on a defensive lapse in the Indian backline. Centre-back Leo Thongbam was slow to clear the danger, allowing Farid to take possession and calmly find the net in the 27th minute.

India responded almost immediately. Two minutes later, Sailex Oinam delivered a well-weighted ball into the penalty area, where Gangte brought it under control, manoeuvred past his marker and struck a powerful left-footed effort into the near corner to restore parity.

The two teams went into half-time locked at 1-1, despite India’s attacking efforts and some promising combinations involving Kamgouhao Doungel, Lawmsangzuala and Mukundo Singh Ningthoujam.

India increased the pressure after the restart and regained the advantage in the 61st minute. Doungel supplied a cross from the left, which found Hrishikesh Charan Manavathi inside the box. The Indian attacker was brought down by Leo Chin Hee Caled, prompting Chinese referee Dan Ning to award a penalty. Gangte stepped up and converted confidently with his right foot.

However, Singapore responded four minutes later through Farid, who rose unchallenged to head home Saw Tian Zhi’s corner from the right, bringing the score to 2-2 in the 65th minute.

Gangte restored India’s advantage in the 82nd minute to complete his hat-trick. Substitute David Mangang Irom created the opportunity with a deceptive movement before unleashing a powerful shot. Singapore goalkeeper Ilhan Rezal managed to parry the attempt, but the rebound fell invitingly for Gangte, who made no mistake from close range.

India put the result beyond doubt two minutes from regulation time. David initiated another attacking move, finding fellow substitute Raj Singh Wahengbam, whose involvement helped create an opportunity for Gangte. Although the captain’s attempt was stopped by Rezal, the loose ball fell to Ristik Maity, who tapped it into the unguarded net in the 88th minute.

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The victory gives India an encouraging start to their Group E campaign. The Blue Colts will next face Guam on November 14, followed by a meeting with Palestine on November 17 before concluding their group fixtures against hosts Malaysia on November 20.