Were Indian boys denied goal at AFC U17 Asian Cup game against Saudi Arabia? Fans question

The Indian lads put on a fighting performance against hosts Saudi Arabia in their final qualification match of the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2023, but went down 1-2 in Dammam, on Sunday, October 9, 2022.

Despite that, the Blue Colts secured themselves a spot in the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2023 by virtue of being one of the six best second-placed teams across the 10 groups.

Previous to the loss against the host nation, the Boys in Blue had notched up a hattrick of wins against the Maldives (5-0), Kuwait (3-0) and Myanmar (4-1).

Talking about the clash, while it was known that Saudi Arabia would prove to be India's toughest competitor in the group, the Indian boys did put on a strong performance.

The first half itself was full of high intensity and India's best chance had come in the 14th minute. 

Lalpekhlua had found Korou Singh with a delightful cross from the left flank and the winger fired his shot on target, however, it was saved by the goalkeeper.

This resulted in a corner kick and Danny Meitei played the perfect shot curling the ball in towards the near post. It almost trickled past the goalline after wreaking havoc in the Saudi defence.

And this is where fans who were watching the game believed should have been given a goal to India.

As for India securing a spot, they found themselves placed fourth behind South Korea, China, and Afghanistan. Thailand and Laos were the other two runners-up who also earned qualification. 

This is the ninth overall and third consecutive time for India to be part of the main draw of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup. The best results for India in the coveted tournament had come in 2002 and 2022 and when they reached the quarter-finals.