India lost to UAE in AFC-U16 after a dominant display

by Nancy Singh September 16, 2016

Margao, 15th September 2016: India started its AFC U-16 Championship campaign on a low note yet leaving a strong stamp for their opponents. India U-16 lost 3-2 to the United Arab Emirates giving away the lead in their Group A opener at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on September 15, Wednesday.

India scored an early goal in the 10th minute by Sanjeev Stalin. Boris Singh scored the second in the 36th minute. UAE, Manea Aydh and Majid Rashid scored one each in the 34th and 53rd minute. Winning goal for UAE came from Ahmad Fawzi in the 73rd minute.

After a strong and dominant display, India led 2-1 at the interval. India entered the opponent box almost throughout the half and had many chances which should have been converted. But the boys failed to strengthen the scoreline.

Defender Manea Aydh handled the ball off a Komal Thatal cross outside the box for a free-kick. Sanjeev Stalin curled the ball to the far post to find the roof of the net.

India continued to dominate the game with ball possession and came close to increase the lead in the 25th minute but Komal Thatal’s try was saved by the opponent’s keeper.

UAE, counter attacking won a penalty after India’s keeper Dheeraj Singh brought down Abdulla Alnaqbi inside the box. Corner from Majid Rashid was saved by Dheeraj in the 35th minute.

The UAE found equaliser from the corner kick as Manea Aydh’s header found the far corner of the Indian post as Dheeraj failed to save.

India responded and took away the lead with a clinical finish from Boris Singh. A move on the left saw Aniket Anil Jadhav dribbling past three send a diagonal pass for Boris Singh. India leading 2-1 at half time.

After the interval, halves turned as the UAE were seen pushing India in their own box with Majid Scoring in the 53rd minute.

India giving a fitting response. In the 56th minute, Salem washed off efforts of the Indian players as Boris speedingly crossed the left flank only to be deprived of scoring and minutes later, Sanjeev’s free-kick was pushed away.

India gave a good fight but UAE were on the better side. They shifted focus to the defensive play which paid – the match winner coming through Ahmad Fawzi in the 73rd minute.

In the other Group A of the day, Iran beat Saudi Arabia 3-2.

India to play their next match against Saudi Arabia at the PJN Stadium, Fatorda, Goa on 18th September.

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