Football
AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers: Wadoo hails Gangte’s leadership in India’s victory against Singapore
Football · India U17 men · AFC U17 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers
AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers: Wadoo hails Gangte’s leadership in India’s victory against Singapore
India’s under-17 head coach says his captain’s character mattered as much as his three goals against Singapore.
Kuala Lumpur, 11 November.
Mehrajuddin Wadoo, head coach of India’s under-17 men, says Dallalmuon Gangte’s hat-trick in the 4-2 win over Singapore was only part of what impressed him. Wadoo praised the captain’s character and leadership after Singapore twice drew level, and called for a clear pathway from the U-17 side to the senior team.
Three goals, but not only three goals
India beat Singapore 4-2 at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium on Wednesday 11 November in their first match of the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers. Captain Dallalmuon Gangte scored a hat-trick and Ristik Maity added the fourth.
For head coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo, the goals were only part of it.
“What impressed me most about Gangte was not just his three goals, but his character, confidence and ability to take responsibility when the team needed him.”
— Mehrajuddin Wadoo, India U17 head coach
Wadoo said the teenager handled the pressure of the occasion and stepped up at the moments that mattered.
Leadership after Singapore levelled
Singapore pulled level twice, and India had to find a way back in front each time. Wadoo said the captain’s response kept the team calm and focused.
“He led by example, kept pushing the team forward and showed the maturity required from a captain.”
— Mehrajuddin Wadoo, India U17 head coach
A comeback in a qualifier says something about a young squad, and the coach clearly credits the captain for setting the tone.
100 players assessed, 23 selected
Wadoo had more than 100 players assessed in the selection process before the final 23-member squad was chosen. That scale of scouting shaped his view of the wider picture.
“There is a lot of talent in Indian football.”
— Mehrajuddin Wadoo, India U17 head coach
His point was that talent is there and the job is to give young players the right opportunities, exposure and guidance.
A pathway from U-17 to the seniors
The coach also stressed continuity between the U-17, U-19, U-20 and senior teams. In his view, a clear pathway makes each step up smoother because players are already familiar with the standards and the playing philosophy expected of them.
He added that the current generation has better access to training facilities, technology, football knowledge and international exposure, and that former internationals have a part to play by passing on what they know.
“I think experience plays a very important role.”
— Mehrajuddin Wadoo, India U17 head coach
The real benchmark
Wadoo was clear that good youth results are not the end goal.
“Our real objective is to produce players who can consistently perform at the senior international level.”
— Mehrajuddin Wadoo, India U17 head coach
That is the standard against which this squad, and the pathway behind it, will be judged.
What comes next
India face Guam in Group E on Saturday 14 November, with kick-off at 13:00 IST in Kuala Lumpur. The match is live on FAMTV Malaysia on YouTube. India then play Palestine on 17 November and hosts Malaysia on 20 November.
