Riding on a brace from captain Joshua Thomas, a ten-man United States of America U-17 national team defeated the Malaysia U-16 national team 2-1 to enter the Final of the AIFF Youth Cup at the Tilak Maidan, Vasco on Monday (May 23).

Knowing that a win would book them a berth in the Final, the United States tried to keep up the pace right from the kick-off. They took the lead in the 18th minute when captain Joshua Thomas converted from the spot.

Joshua doubled the lead in added time of first half when he headed it in.

Changing over, USA were reduced to ten men in the 51st minute when Kevin Roberto was given marching orders.

Malaysia pulled one back in the 85th minute when Zainul Arifin bulged the net from outside the box.

(Report & Photo courtesy AIFF Media)