<p>Thanglalsoun Gangte scored a brace to guide India to a crucial 3-0 win over Kuwait in the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2023 Qualifiers here on Thursday.</p>.<p>India had registered a commanding 5-0 win against the Maldives in their previous match.</p>.<p>Two goals from Gangte gave the Indian side three points.</p>.<p>Goalkeeper Sahil also shone through with a notable display, making a number of crucial saves, ensuring a hard-earned clean sheet.</p>.<p>The first half began with the Indian side in the ascendancy right from kick-off. The first big chance came in the ninth minute as Gangte headed the ball into the net from a corner-kick opportunity. However, the referee had blown for a foul in the build-up.</p>.<p>Three minutes later, skipper Vanlalpeka Guite stung the palms of the Kuwait custodian with a low, fizzing shot that was saved. The pressure continued to build and the reward came in the 16th minute as Bibiano Fernandes' side took the lead.</p>.<p>A delicious long ball from centreback Manjot Singh Dhami found Korou in space down the right flank. The winger charged and played a pinpoint cross for the onrushing Gangte, who provided a clinical first-time finish.</p>.<p>India custodian Sahil was called into action on a couple of occasions and produced some fine saves towards the end of the first half to ensure a clean sheet.</p>.<p>After the half-time interval, the game continued from where it left off as both sides continued to push for advantage.</p>.<p>Two minutes after the hour mark, Korou headed narrowly over the bar from a corner-kick chance. However, four minutes later, he was on hand to double India's advantage as the Blue Colts raced forward on a counter-attack.</p>.<p>Guite fired in an inviting low cross from the left and the winger slammed it home with aplomb.</p>.<p>Sahil was called into action yet again in the 69th minute, producing a flying save to deny Khaled once again. The stop proved to be crucial as the Indian team struck another blow just two minutes later as Gangte scored his second.</p>.<p>India poured forward on the break again and Lalpekhlua delivered a fine cross from the left flank as Gangte slid home a clinical finish.</p>.<p>In the next match, the Indian side will take on Myanmar at the same venue.</p>
<p>Thanglalsoun Gangte scored a brace to guide India to a crucial 3-0 win over Kuwait in the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2023 Qualifiers here on Thursday.</p>.<p>India had registered a commanding 5-0 win against the Maldives in their previous match.</p>.<p>Two goals from Gangte gave the Indian side three points.</p>.<p>Goalkeeper Sahil also shone through with a notable display, making a number of crucial saves, ensuring a hard-earned clean sheet.</p>.<p>The first half began with the Indian side in the ascendancy right from kick-off. The first big chance came in the ninth minute as Gangte headed the ball into the net from a corner-kick opportunity. However, the referee had blown for a foul in the build-up.</p>.<p>Three minutes later, skipper Vanlalpeka Guite stung the palms of the Kuwait custodian with a low, fizzing shot that was saved. The pressure continued to build and the reward came in the 16th minute as Bibiano Fernandes' side took the lead.</p>.<p>A delicious long ball from centreback Manjot Singh Dhami found Korou in space down the right flank. The winger charged and played a pinpoint cross for the onrushing Gangte, who provided a clinical first-time finish.</p>.<p>India custodian Sahil was called into action on a couple of occasions and produced some fine saves towards the end of the first half to ensure a clean sheet.</p>.<p>After the half-time interval, the game continued from where it left off as both sides continued to push for advantage.</p>.<p>Two minutes after the hour mark, Korou headed narrowly over the bar from a corner-kick chance. However, four minutes later, he was on hand to double India's advantage as the Blue Colts raced forward on a counter-attack.</p>.<p>Guite fired in an inviting low cross from the left and the winger slammed it home with aplomb.</p>.<p>Sahil was called into action yet again in the 69th minute, producing a flying save to deny Khaled once again. The stop proved to be crucial as the Indian team struck another blow just two minutes later as Gangte scored his second.</p>.<p>India poured forward on the break again and Lalpekhlua delivered a fine cross from the left flank as Gangte slid home a clinical finish.</p>.<p>In the next match, the Indian side will take on Myanmar at the same venue.</p>