India U16s vanquish Turkmenistan on the opening day of the AFC U16 Qualifiers to extend winning streak

TASHKENT (UZBEKISTAN): The India U-16 boys’ Team increased their winning streak to 12 games, this time, vanquishing the Central Asian side Turkmenistan by 5-0 on their opening match of the AFC U-16 Championship Qualifiers, on Wednesday, September 18.
Sridarth, scoring a brace, flared as the star performer in yesterday’s outing. While Shubho Paul was not too far behind. He scored a first-half goal, and provided an assist for Taison Singh in the second half. Substitute Himanshu Jangra scored the last goal in the second half at the dying moments.
Playing at the Transport Institute Stadium, home to the reserve side of reigning Uzbekistan Super League winners Lokomotiv Tashkent, India dominated their opponents from the first half itself. Although, India failed to have a good start in the opening exchanges, they soon gained control of the match.
Both sides pressed each other in the start. Anish Mazumder and Singson stood robust in the defence, who stopped the Turkmen from attacking. The combination of Pritam and Taison down the right flank, looked dangerous for India. India had their first real chance when Sridarth took the ball into the box, crossed it in for Shubho, whose mistimed header saw the ball sail over the bar from inside the six-yard box.
Just ahead of the half-hour mark, the Indians broke the deadlock through winger Shubho’s strike. Sridarth played through into the Turkmen box from the right flank. As Sridarth made his way through, faked a dummy, and attempted a strike, his shot was initially saved. Shubho awaited for the chance to whip it into the net via a rebound.
Turkmenistan attempted to mount a comeback for large parts of the first half. However, the Indian midfield duo of Yoihenba and Sibajit maintained solidity in the middle of the park. Just a few minutes ahead of the half-time break, Sridarth doubled the lead. Taison forced himself into the area, played a cutback, which was duly turned in by Sridarth, from inside the six-yard box.
They may have gone into the break with a two-goal lead, but Bibiano’s boys picked up right where they left off. A few minutes into the restart, Taison Singh added the third, as he smashed in a Shubho Paul cross from just outside the far post.
It was after this goal, that India gaffer Bibiano Fernandes brought on striker Himanshu Jangra in place of Taison, pushing Sridarth out to the wing, and providing some physicality upfront. The physical striker had an immediate effect as he was played through into the box by Maheson and he went on to finish with great prowess.
Sridarth finished off the scoring late in injury time, as he plonked it over the keeper to make it five.
FULL TIME SCORE:
India (Shubho Paul 23′, Sridarth 40′, 90+1′, Taison Singh 55′, Himanshu Jangra 90′) 5-0 Turkmenistan
India U-16 (Starting XI): Aman Kumar Sahani (GK), Pritam Meetei, Singson, Anish Mazumder, Amandeep, Sibajit Singh, Shubho Paul, Sridarth, Maheson Singh, Taison Singh, Yoihenba Meitei
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: India U-18 boys prepared to challenge in the SAFF U-18 Championship
Also Read: Sanchit Singh: I am looking forward to having a great season ahead
Football Counter would love to hear your thoughts or feedback on your experience: Feedback on Football Counter experience
Feature / Interviews / Santosh Trophy
Arif Shaikh reflects on Maharashtra’s performance in Hero Santosh Trophy campaign
Arif Shaikh, the striker for Maharashtra in the Hero Santosh Trophy, in an exclusive chat with us speaks about his team’s performance in the campaign, his experience playing under coach…
Indian Super League / Transfer News
Defender Hardik Bhatt joins Mumbai City FC
Rajasthan United right-back Hardik Bhatt has reportedly joined Mumbai City FC on a loan deal for the rest of the season. According to reports, the deal involves a loan fee…
MFA Elite Division Roundup: KSA maintains lead; India Rush earns first win of the season
The MFA Elite Division saw a flurry of action over the past couple of days, with several teams securing vital wins to keep their hopes of a top-three finish alive….
Lenny Rodrigues returns to FC Goa, Glan Martins leaves on loan
Goa, January 24, 2023: FC Goa have completed the signing of Lenny Rodrigues from fellow Hero Indian Super League (ISL) side ATK Mohun Bagan, the Club can confirm. The midfielder…
ATK Mohun Bagan and FC Goa agree swap deal for midfielders
ATK Mohun Bagan and FC Goa have reportedly agreed to a swap deal for midfielders Glan Martins and Lenny Rodriguez The exact opposite deal happened in January 2021 when Lenny…
Hero Super Cup / Indian Super League
Kerala to host Hero Super Cup in April
NEW DELHI: The 2022-23 Hero Super Cup, featuring 16 teams in the Group Stage, will take place from April 8-25, 2023, in Kerala. Two of the three cities among Kochi, Kozhikode…
MFA Roundup: Late Goals, Comebacks and Table Shuffling
A late goal helps Atlanta FC keep the winning streak intact, Silver Innings pick 2nd win of campaign, and PIFA secure a stunning come from behind win. Ambernath United Atlanta…
India U-17 / Indian Women’s Football Team
A tale of two footballers and their fight against gender bias
CHENNAI: Sonali Soren is certainly not a showstopper, who will force people to take a break and wait eagerly to follow her next movement. She is a simple young girl with…
Indian Super League / Transfer News
Transfer round-up: Naorem to ATK Mohun Bagan, Givson Singh to Chennaiyin FC
The January transfer window of the Indian football season is nearing its end. The winter transfer window is always an exciting time period in the Indian football season, with this…
Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
Emotional to be back in the national camp after so long, says Bala Devi
The city of Chennai is currently a true confluence of India’s best talents in women’s football – the National camps for both the Seniors and the Under-20 probables are running…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
Elite Division / MDFA / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…
Sunday Boys to hold trials for MFA 1st Division
MFA 1st division side Sunday Boys FC will be conducting trials in the first week of November for the upcoming football season Sunday Boys Football Club was established in the…
Elite Division / MDFA / Trials
Millat FC to hold trials for MFA Elite Premier League
Millat FC – a club plying their trade in MFA Elite Division will be conducting open trials for their upcoming 2022-23 season Last season Millat had a decent run in…
Elite Division / MDFA / Trials
MFA Elite Division club KSA to conduct trials for the upcoming season
Karnataka Sporting Association (KSA) – a club plying their trade in MFA Elite Division will be conducting open trials for their upcoming 2022-23 season Last season KSA had an amazing…
3rd Division / MDFA / Trials
Young Guns Football Acadmey to conduct trials for their upcoming MFA 3rd Division Campaign
MFA 3rd Division club Young Guns Football Academy will be conducting open trials on October 9th for their upcoming season in Mumbai Football Young Guns Football Academy was founded in…
OSCAR SSE to conduct trials for Youth I League and YPL team in the U13 category in Mumbai
Mumbai-based OSCAR SSE will conduct trials for their Youth I League and YPL team on 16th and 17th July 2022 at Wings Sports Centre ground. Oscar SSE is a 2-star…