Late goals cost again as U.D Alzira U-22s hold India U-20 to a draw

by Chittu Shetty July 26, 2018

India’s struggle with conceding late goals continue as the U20 national team friendly against Spanish club U.D Alzira U22 side ahead of the upcoming COTIF International Cup ended in an 1-1 draw after conceding the equalizer in the injury time

Ahead of the Indian U-20 National Team’s participation in the C.O.T.I.F Cup in Spain, the Indian Colts played a friendly match against local club side Union Deportiva Alzira U-22 and were held to a 1-1 draw at the Venice Stadium in Valencia on July 25, 2018.

Aman Chetri’s 71^st minute strike was cancelled by a late goal coming in the added extra time of the second half from the opponents as both teams ended the match on level pegging. The opening minutes were nervy for the Indian U-20s and goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Gill was called into action and thwarted the danger away in the 8^th minute. The opponents, relying on corner kicks, tested the Indian defence in the 16^th minute but Anwar Ali’s interception averted the danger.

It was the Indian U-20s turn to gain attacking momentum in the 17^th minute when Boris Singh had a chance to put India ahead but his shot was saved by the opposition custodian. A minute later, Boris once again burst onto the scene, stealing possession from the defence, but failed to find the net.

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After the half-time scoreline read 0-0, the Indian Colts had an opportunity in the 60^th minute when Ninthoi’s through ball almost found Aman Chetri, but the opposition custodian made a vita interception to deny Aman. In the 71^st minute, the Indian U-20s took the lead when Aman Chetri slotted the ball home after Aniket found him in the box, to make the scoreline read 1-0.

In the dying embers of the match, the opponents equalized the deficit as they capitalized on a defensive mistake from a set piece scenario and scored to make the full-time scoreline read 1-1.

The India U-20 National Team will be clashing swords with Argentina U-20, Venezuela U-and Mauritania U-20 in the COTIF Cup – the Mini Mundial Sub U-20 Men’s Football Tournament next, which is slated to kick-off on July 29, 2018

Also read our Feature Article of the week: Asian Games: Football fans fluttering hopes dashed again by IOA

Also Read: AIFF Awards 2017: Chhetri wins his 5th AIFF Player of the year award, Thapa wins emerging player award

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