India’s U15 football team concluded their group stage campaign at the
Despite a strong showing throughout the group phase, India found themselves overwhelmed by a clinical Senegal side. The loss, combined with Cameroon’s 2-0 victory over Bahrain, left India in third place in Group K with 10 points from their five matches. While they will not advance to the top tiers, the squad is set to continue their journey in the knockout-style tournament stage, competing for positions 65th to 96th.
Senegal Dominance and Tactical Control
The match began as a balanced affair, with both sides testing each other during the opening five minutes. However, Senegal soon seized control, applying consistent pressure that the Indian defense struggled to contain. The deadlock was broken in the ninth minute when Abdoulaye Diallo navigated into the box to finish from a tight angle, marking the first time India had trailed in the tournament.
Diallo proved to be a constant threat, doubling the lead just two minutes later with a powerful strike into the top corner. The momentum remained firmly with Senegal as Georges Kanfom added a third in the 14th minute after rounding goalkeeper Jenit Ningthoujam. Diallo completed his hat-trick in the 18th minute, and Pierre Mbengue extended the lead to 5-0 by the 23rd minute, converting a rebound after his initial effort was saved.
Diallo netted his fourth goal of the match in the 31st minute, further cementing Senegal's advantage. India managed to find a consolation goal shortly after, when Ronandev Aheibam connected with a low cross from Deepak Singh Arambam in the 33rd minute to slide the ball home.
Tournament Context and Next Steps
With the group stage now complete, Cameroon and Senegal have secured their places in Tiers A and B, respectively, after both finishing on 12 points. India’s third-place finish places them in Tier C, while Bahrain and Laos will head to Tiers D and E. Grenada, who finished at the bottom of the group, will compete in Tier F.
The tournament, which features 189 teams, will continue with the knockout format until the final day on October 30. The Blue Colts are scheduled to begin their Tier C campaign on Wednesday, looking to build on their experience in Baku.
