India’s young footballers continued their impressive run at the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival Azerbaijan 2026, defeating Cameroon 2-1 in their second Group K match on Sunday, October 25. The victory marked India’s second consecutive win in the tournament, strengthening the team’s start to the competition.
India Takes Early Lead
Playing at the Hovsan Competition Complex in Baku, India made an immediate impact. Cameroon defender Fareil Ngobo scored an own goal in the first minute following a corner delivered by Deepak Singh Arambam, giving India an early advantage.
Cameroon fought back and equalised in the 20th minute when the ball deflected off India’s Muhammad Sohil Khan into the net. The teams went into the break level at 1-1.
Lalremruatfela Delivers the Winning Goal
India regained the lead in the 27th minute through captain R Lalremruatfela. After Ronandev Aheibam won possession in midfield, Deepak Singh Arambam delivered a low cross into the penalty area, allowing Lalremruatfela to finish with his left foot.
The goal proved decisive as India held on to their advantage despite sustained pressure from Cameroon.
Goalkeeper Jenit Shines Under Pressure
Goalkeeper Jenit Ningthoujam played a crucial role in India’s victory, producing several important saves throughout the match. His standout moment came in the 32nd minute when he saved a penalty taken by Cameroon’s Harouna Abdoulaye.
India maintained their defensive discipline in the closing stages to secure all three points.
India Continues Its Campaign
With two consecutive victories, India emerged as the only team in Group K to have won both its matches at that stage of the competition. The team had opened its campaign with a 4-2 victory over Laos on October 24.
India was scheduled to face Grenada later on October 25 before taking on Bahrain and Senegal on October 26. Results across the qualification stage will determine the performance tier the team enters in the tournament’s second phase.