AFCU-16 / AIFF / Football News
India lost to UAE in AFC-U16 after a dominant display

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.
Please keep following for the match updates at www.footballcounter.com also for daily updates on Mumbai Football.
Feature / Indian Super League / Recommended
Indian Super League 2025-26 Season in Doubt: AIFF Calendar Omission Sparks Major Concern
The future of the Indian Super League (ISL) is currently shrouded in significant uncertainty, casting a long shadow over the upcoming 2025-26 football season. Recent reports indicate that Football Sports…
Maharashtra Oranje FC’s Academy Division, SFL Oranje Academy, announces Trials for 2025-26 season across multiple age groups
Mumbai, Maharashtra – Maharashtra Oranje FC, a prominent name in Mumbai’s football circuit, is set to hold extensive trials for the upcoming 2025-26 season through its academy division, SFL Oranje…
Indian Super League / Transfer News
Mumbai City FC complete signing of Zothanpuia
Mumbai City announces the signing of Zothanpuia from Aizawl FC. The talented midfielder joins the Islanders on a 3-year contract.
AFC U23 / Indian Football Team
Ten-man India U23s lose lead and match against Tajikistan
The India U23 men’s national team suffered a 2-3 defeat at the hands of hosts Tajikistan U23s, after being reduced to 10 men in a friendly match at the TALCO…
Indian Super League / Transfer News
Jorge Pereyra Diaz returns to Mumbai City
Mumbai City FC have announced the return of Jorge Pereyra Díaz for the 2025–26 season. The Argentine forward rejoins the Islanders after a season with Bengaluru FC, marking a homecoming…
Indian Super League / Transfer News
Punjab FC announces the signing of Defender Muhammed Uvais
Punjab FC has announced the signing of defender Muhammed Uvais for the upcoming season. The full-back last featured for Indian Super League side Jamshedpur FC, where he reached both the…
Maharashtra Oranje FC’s Academy Division, SFL Oranje Academy, announces Trials for 2025-26 season across multiple age groups
Mumbai, Maharashtra – Maharashtra Oranje FC, a prominent name in Mumbai’s football circuit, is set to hold extensive trials for the upcoming 2025-26 season through its academy division, SFL Oranje…
SSE BFC offering girls football trials in Mumbai for U14 & U17 Teams
SSE Soccer Schools, one of Mumbai’s longest-serving academies, is a trusted name and has positively contributed to shaping the local football community for thousands of kids since 2010. SSE Soccer…
SSE BFC Soccer Schools Announces Open Trials for 2025-26 Season in Mumbai
SSE Soccer Schools, one of Mumbai’s longest-standing football academies, has announced open trials for its 2025-26 SSE BFC Soccer Schools program in partnership with Indian Super League club Bengaluru FC….
South United FC Announces Trials in Pune for their Residential Academy in Bangalore
South United Football Club has announced its next set of trials for its new Residential Academy, which will be held in Pune. The trials will take place at the Club’s…
Corporate Football / MFA Elite Corporate League / Trials
Bank of India announces open trial for Mumbai Corporate League Campaign
Bank of India is set to make its mark in the Mumbai Corporate League and is looking for exceptional football talent to bolster its squad. The trial is scheduled for…
India Khelo Football Workshop returns to Mumbai for its 4th Season
The Indian Khelo Football (IKF) Workshop returns to Mumbai this September, bringing with it an exceptional platform for aspiring footballers to showcase their skills and seize opportunities that could transform…
MFA / Mumbai Super League / Trials
Somaiya FC announces trials for the upcoming 2024-25 Season
Somaiya FC, having secured a commendable 5th position in the MFA Super Division last season, has announced open trials as they gear up for upcoming season. The team, known for…
VR Academy to conduct trials for 2024-25 Season
Mumbai based VR Academy has announced trials for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The club is looking for talented young players to join our esteemed academy and participate in various competitive…
MH ORANJE FC U-17 Trials for the Upcoming Season
With a proud legacy of nurturing talent and achieving excellence, Maharashtra Oranje FC has recently made waves with appearances in I-League 2, securing a remarkable runner-up position in the fiercely…
Football School of India announce trials for Young Talents
Football School of India (FSI) has announced trials for young football enthusiasts in the upcoming week of June. A golden opportunity for aspiring players to showcase their talents and potentially…