New Delhi, February 12 The Indian U-17 men's team lost 1-6 to Turkey in their second friendly match against the hosts at the Manavgat Atatürk Stadium in Manavgat, Antalya, on Thursday.
India had lost 0-1 in the first friendly on Tuesday.
The Blue Colts are using these matches to prepare for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026, which will be held in May. India will compete against Uzbekistan, Australia, and North Korea in Group D.
In the match played in windy and rainy conditions, Turkey took an early lead through Efe Seçil, who smashed a loose ball from a narrow angle inside the box in the seventh minute. After a brief period of resistance from India, the hosts overpowered Bibiano Fernandes' side and raced to a 5-0 lead by half-time.
Efe Fettahoğlu scored from the penalty spot in the 14th minute, before Alaettin Ekici netted a quick brace — converting a first-time shot from 10 yards in the 20th minute and heading in a cross from the right to make it 4-0 in the 28th.
Captain Eren Sayar also got in on the act, scoring the fifth goal in the 30th minute.
India showed some improvement in the second half and pulled a goal back early after the restart. In the 47th minute, Diamond Singh Thokchom picked out Denny Singh Wangkhem just outside the box. The latter curled a stunning effort into the far corner from 20 yards out to bring India on the scoresheet.
Turkey wrapped up the scoring in the 85th minute, with Hasan Tuncel sneaking into the box and slotting home a left-footed shot into the bottom corner.