BAKU, OCT 25 (IANS): India continued their impressive start at the inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup 2026, defeating Cameroon 2-1 in their second Group K match at the Hovsan Competition Complex Pitch 1B on Sunday. The victory made India the only team in the group to have won both their matches so far.
An own goal by Cameroon’s Fareil Ngobo in the first minute gave India an early advantage. Cameroon drew level in the 20th minute through an own goal by India’s Muhammad Sohil Khan, but captain R Lalremruatfela restored the Blue Colts’ lead in the 27th minute. Goalkeeper Jenit Ningthoujam played a crucial role in securing the victory, producing several important saves, including a penalty stop.
Despite rainy conditions, India started aggressively, with Deepak Singh Arambam’s corner creating confusion in the Cameroon defence and resulting in Ngobo inadvertently turning the ball into his own net.
India came close to doubling their lead in the 14th minute when another delivery from Deepak troubled the Cameroon defence. However, Lalremruatfela’s attempt towards an almost unguarded goal was blocked at the last moment.
Cameroon gradually increased the pressure, but Indian goalkeeper Jenit stood firm. He denied a free-kick in the 16th minute, stopped Randy Ngome’s close-range effort a minute later and made another important save against Ndam Moctar in the 18th minute.
India continued to threaten, with Deepak firing into the side netting in the 19th minute. Cameroon equalised a minute later when Moctar’s cross from the right deflected off Muhammad Sohil Khan and entered the Indian goal.
India began the second half with renewed determination, introducing Ronandev Aheibam at the interval. The substitute made an immediate impact in the 27th minute, winning possession in midfield before passing to Deepak, whose low cross was expertly finished by Lalremruatfela with a first-time, left-footed shot into the bottom corner.
Cameroon were awarded a penalty in the 31st minute after Nara Meitei Loushambam handled a shot outside the box. However, Jenit produced another outstanding moment by saving Harouna Abdoulaye’s spot-kick in the 32nd minute to preserve India’s lead.
India maintained their attacking intent in the closing stages, with Ronandev testing goalkeeper Sunny-Hansel Ndeh before Soumojit Sarkar’s free-kick was tipped over the crossbar.
The Blue Colts defended resolutely in the final minutes to secure their second consecutive win and strengthen their position in Group K.
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