Having finished the AFC U-16 Qualifiers 2018 campaign on a positive note, Bibiano Fernandes, Head Coach India U-16 National Team hailed the AIFF for ‘nurturing young talents’ and supporting the youngsters ‘living their dreams from a tender age.’

“The AIFF is doing a terrific work over the years and the Academy is another example of its noteworthy jobs. Tapping on the talents across the nation and nurturing them rightly shows that we have a fool-proof strategy to scale the next level,” Bibiano commented on way back home from Nepal.

The U-16 team who are now unbeaten in 12 matches (including practice matches and official matches) are in a favourable position to qualify for the AFC U-16 Championship 2018 by virtue of finishing one of the five best second-placed teams across the continent and will be knowing their fortune only on September 29 when other U-16 Qualifiers across other venues in Asia finish.

India finished their unbeaten campaign with 5 points from 3 matches, having drawn against hosts Nepal and defending champions Iraq and beating Palestine by a whopping 3-0 margin.

Also Read: Free entry for Brazil, England practice matches in Mumbai

“Drawing against defending champions Iraq shows our boys’ prowess and their temperament while contesting at the bigger stages,” Bibiano exuded. “I would like to thank AIFF for arranging the exposure trips to Egypt and Qatar, which have helped us immensely gauging our abilities and planning our strategies for the next matches.”

He also praised the AIFF highly for the youth development programme which has been started a decade back and the young gaffer termed it as ‘a brilliant initiative.’

“While congratulating the boys, we must not forget the AIFF’s inputs to achieve this feat. As I’m being informed, finishing AFC U-16 Qualifiers unbeaten hasn’t been very common to us but we’ve done it this time. It rightly reflects how we’re improving and I must say that we’re actually reaping the benefits of years’ rigorous youth development program which is nothing but a brilliant initiative, to say the least,” Bibiano said in one go.

“I really feel proud of my boys and they all have a bright future ahead. I foresee most of them playing for the India Senior Team in near future”, Bibiano stated.

-Courtesy AIFF Media

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Coach Bibiano Fernandes sounded upbeat before India lock their horns with reigning AFC U-16 Champions Iraq in the final fixture of the AFC U-16 Championship 2018 Qualifiers tomorrow, “Yes, obviously boys were feeling a bit down following the draw against Nepal.  We were really disappointed but now we have shifted our focus to tomorrow’s match against Iraq”, stated Bibiano Fernandes.

“There has been a positive vibe amongst the boys and they’re determined to take the fight to Iraq tomorrow. Although we were left disappointed last night, now, we are feeling the fire under our belly to impose a tough challenge to them.”

Meanwhile, Iraq are now cushioned at the top position of Group D with 6 points from 2 matches whereas India are 2 points shy from as many games.

“We know the match is going to be extremely crucial, not only for us but also for them. We have to keep an eye on the other groups as the calculations will prove to be pivotal in our quest to qualify for the AFC U-16 Championship 2018”, Bibiano mentioned.

Also Read: World-renowned football fitness coach Raymond Verheijen to host a two-day workshop in Mumbai from September 23-24.

There is no injury scare in the Indian camp right now and the team is fully ready for the final encounter of the AFC U-16 Qualifiers. Bibiano further added, “The boys are in great shape and everyone is ready to give it a shot against the defending champions.”

Meanwhile, the gaffer showed his concern over holding the concentration throughout the 90 minutes which might be the key aspect in tomorrow’s clash against the mighty middle-eastern youngsters.

“We have to be at the top of our game for 90 minutes and it might be the key to get a positive result. We can’t afford to lose our concentration any time, otherwise, we might have to leave Nepal empty-handed”, Bibiano sounded cautious.

The match is scheduled to kick-off at 11:45 AM IST.

– AIFF Media Team

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Also, please click on the link http://www.footballcounter.com/2016/afc-u-16-india-held-saudi-arabia-to-a-3-3-draw/ to read about the AFC U-16 Championship held at Margao, Goa. #Support India. #BackTheBlues

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Also read: http://www.footballcounter.com/2016/23562/ to know more about the game.

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

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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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