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India U-16 begin SAFF U-16 Championship campaign on winning note

India U-16 at SAFF U-16 Championship

India U-16 at SAFF U-16 Championship

The India U-16 National Team got off to a winning start in the SAFF U-16 Championship when they defeated Sri Lanka U-16 5-0 in their first group match at the Sylhet District Stadium, Sylhet, Bangladesh on Sunday (August 9, 2015). The Indian colts led 1-0 at the interval.

The first goal came in the 31st minute when Saurabh Meher provided the perfect finish to Rahim Ali’s defence splitting pass as he pushed it past the goalkeeper.

The second goal came in the 48th minute, three minutes after resumption. It was an own goal when a rival defender hit it into his own net trying to intercept a cross from Shahjahan.

India scored their third goal a minute later. Rakip flicked Shahjahan’s corner to Saurabh who slammed it in.

The Indian team continued their domination and soon scored their fourth. Shahjahan took his name to the score sheet when he tapped in the rebound after the rival goalkeeper had failed to collect Saurabh’s long ranger.

An opportunistic Saurabh completed his hat-trick in the 74th minute. He capitalised on the Sri Lankan goalkeeper’s failure to punch away Saqlain’s shot and put it into the net.

(Report & Photo courtesy AIFF Media)