Ronandev Aheibam scored the lone goal as the Indian boys suffered a 1-6 defeat to Senegal in their fifth and final Group K match at the FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival 2026 at Pitch 8A of the Hovsan Competition Complex in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Monday. Abdoulaye Diallo (9′, 11′, 18′, 31′) scored four goals for Senegal, including a first-half hat-trick, while Georges Kanfom (14′) and Pierre Mbengue (23′) added one each. Ronandev Aheibam (33′) pulled a goal back for the Blue Colts in the second half, but the result, coupled with Cameroon’s 2-0 win over Bahrain, meant India finished third in Group K with 10 points from five matches. Matches in the tournament stage will be played in a knockout format, with all 189 teams competing for position until the final day on October 30.
Ronandev Aheibam scored the lone goal as the Indian boys suffered a 1-6 defeat to Senegal in their fifth and final Group K match at the FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival 2026
In Monday’s encounter, the opening five minutes were evenly contested before Senegal gradually increased the pressure on India and took greater control of the match. Senegal broke the deadlock in the ninth minute when Diallo received a pass from the right, advanced into the box and finished past India goalkeeper Jenit Ningthoujam from a narrow angle. It was the first time India had trailed in five matches at the tournament, and they could never recover. Mbengue added Senegal’s fifth goal in the 23rd minute. Jenit initially saved his effort in a one-on-one situation, but the rebound fell back to the Senegal midfielder, who converted at the second attempt. Diallo scored his fourth of the evening in the 31st minute, receiving a pass from Kanfom inside the box before using a feint to create space and finish.
Group winners Cameroon and runners-up Senegal both finished on 12 points and will feature in Tiers A and B, respectively, in the tournament stage.
