The India U-16 national team came back from behind to register a 2-1 victory against Hércules Alicante U-16 in a practice match on their ongoing exposure Tour in Alicante, Spain.
Down by a goal at the interval, the Nicolai Adam coached Team showed exemplary character and sublime fitness level to score two goals post interval. The rivals were reduced to ten men in the 58th minute after their striker was given marching orders for a double booking.
The boys had earlier been on a six-week exposure Tour to Germany besides playing in the AFC U-16 Championship qualifiers in Tabriz City, Iran from where they qualified for the 2016 AFC U-16 Championship finals having finished as one of the best second placed Teams.
Amarjit slotted home substitute Aniket’s centre in the 57th minute to restore parity after Hercules had surged into the lead in the 34th minute. Thereafter, they failed to double the lead but failed to convert the spot early in the second half – the rival striker blasting it wide.
However, an ice-cool Amarjit was made no mistake in the 82nd minute when he converted from the spot to seal the fate. The penalty was awarded after Aniket was brought down inside the box.
The Indian colts who had earlier accounted for Elche U-16 2-0 in the previous practice match, next play Villarreal CF U-16 on September 29 at 22.30 IST.
Last week, the Indian colts had finished second to hosts Iran in Group E of the AFC U-16 Championship qualifiers to qualify for the 2016 AFC U-16 Championship finals on merit with India scheduled to host the Championship and set to play as the hosts, the spot instead went to neighbours Nepal.
(Report & Photo courtesy AIFF Media)
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