India has secured a place in the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026, and the story behind this victory is touching hearts across the country. Two young footballers from Manipur — one from the Kuki community and one from the Meitei community — came together in a rare moment of unity, despite the ongoing conflict back home, to help India defeat Iran 2-1 in their final qualifying match in Ahmedabad.
The match, played at the EKA Arena, was India’s most important game of the qualifiers. Iran, known as one of Asia’s strongest teams at the youth level, dominated early portions of the game. But the Indian side remained steady, keeping their shape and waiting for chances to counter. When the moment finally came, it was a young Kuki forward who broke through the Iranian defence and scored the first goal. His calm finish gave India the early lead and lifted the morale of the entire squad.
Iran fought back with pressure from the wings and eventually equalised before halftime. The game grew tense, and every move began to matter. In the second half, India needed inspiration. It arrived through a Meitei midfielder, who has grown up playing football on the muddy grounds of Manipur. He found space near the edge of the box, struck a clean shot, and restored India’s lead. The goal turned the stadium electric and gave India the confidence to push through the remaining minutes. 
As the final whistle blew, the Indian team celebrated not only a 2-1 win but also the achievement of qualifying for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup finals, which will be held in Saudi Arabia next year.
For many watching, the victory carried a deeper meaning. Manipur has been torn apart by months of violence and division. But on the football field in Ahmedabad, two boys from the two communities at the centre of the conflict played side by side, passed to each other, and scored the goals that lifted India to the top stage of Asian youth football.
