Azerbaijan, October 25: India continued their winning run at the inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup and Festival Azerbaijan 2026, defeating Cameroon 2-1 in their second Group K match at the Hovsan Competition Complex Pitch 1B in Baku on Sunday.
An early own goal by Cameroon’s Fareil Ngobo in the first minute handed India the lead, before another own goal, this time by India’s Muhammad Sohil Khan in the 20th minute, brought Cameroon level. Captain R Lalremruatfela restored India’s advantage in the 27th minute, while goalkeeper Jenit Ningthoujam’s crucial saves, including a penalty stop, helped the Blue Colts secure all three points.
The victory made India the only team in Group K to have won both their matches at that stage of the competition.
India made a bright start despite the rainy conditions, taking the lead in the opening minute. Deepak Singh Arambam’s corner created confusion inside the Cameroon penalty area, with Ngobo’s attempted headed clearance ending up in his own net.
Cameroon responded by increasing the pressure, but India’s defence remained organised, making timely tackles and closing down opponents to protect their early advantage.
The Blue Colts came close to doubling their lead in the 14th minute when Deepak’s kick-in caused further uncertainty in the Cameroon defence. Goalkeeper Sunny-Hansel Ndeh failed to collect the ball cleanly, leaving captain Lalremruatfela with an opportunity in front of an almost unguarded goal. However, a last-ditch defensive block denied India a second.
Goalkeeper Jenit then produced a series of important saves to keep India ahead. He denied a Cameroon free-kick in the 16th minute before stopping Randy Ngome’s first-time effort from inside the box a minute later. In the 18th minute, Jenit once again came to India’s rescue, keeping out Ndam Moctar’s attempt from a tight angle.
India continued to threaten at the other end, with Deepak firing into the side netting from the edge of the box in the 19th minute. Cameroon, however, found an equaliser in the 20th minute when Moctar’s cross from the right struck Muhammad Sohil Khan and deflected into the Indian net.
India returned for the second half with renewed intent, bringing on Ronandev Aheibam at the interval. The substitute made an immediate impact, winning possession with a strong tackle in midfield in the 27th minute before releasing the ball to Deepak on the right.
Deepak delivered a low cross into the penalty area, where Lalremruatfela showed composure to guide a first-time, left-footed finish into the bottom corner and restore India’s lead.
Cameroon had an opportunity to draw level again in the 31st minute after Nara Meitei Loushambam was penalised for handling a shot from outside the box. However, Jenit emerged as India’s hero once more, saving Harouna Abdoulaye’s penalty in the 32nd minute to preserve the Blue Colts’ advantage.
India remained dangerous in the closing stages. Ronandev tested Ndeh with a powerful effort from the right side of the box in the 33rd minute, while the Cameroon goalkeeper tipped Soumojit Sarkar’s free-kick over the crossbar two minutes later.
The Blue Colts held their shape during the closing moments to see out the contest and register their second consecutive victory in the tournament.