Indian Football Team Advances to AFC U-17 Asian Cup Final

India, 29 December 2025 — The Indian U-17 football team secured a place in the final of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup after defeating South Korea 2-1 in a thrilling semi-final match held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The match took place on 28 December, with the Indian side showcasing a remarkable performance to overcome their formidable opponents.

The Indian team took an early lead with a goal scored by forward Aman Singh in the 15th minute. South Korea equalized in the 40th minute through a well-placed shot by midfielder Kim Min-jun. However, India's captain, Rohan Yadav, sealed the victory with a decisive goal in the 78th minute.

India's journey to the final has been marked by strong teamwork and strategic play, making this advancement significant for Indian youth football. This is the first time the Indian U-17 team has reached the final of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup, highlighting the progress of the sport in the country.

The final match is scheduled to be played on 31 December against Japan, who defeated Iran in the other semi-final. The upcoming match is poised to be a challenging encounter as India aims to secure its first title in this prestigious tournament.

The Indian team's success at the AFC U-17 Asian Cup is seen as a positive sign for the future of football in India, with hopes that this achievement will inspire increased investment and interest in the sport at the grassroots level.