The India U-16 boys start their preparatory exposure trip to Qatar on a winning note as they overpowered their Qatari counterpart by 1-0 in their first friendly match played at the Aspire Academy ground in Doha on Sunday, September 3 evening. Lalrokima, who was introduced in the second half by India U-16 coach Bibiano Fernandes, scored the solitary goal of the match to clinch the victory against the hosts.

Both teams started the game cautiously, preferring to hold the possession rather going all-out into attack. The Indians came very close to open the scoreline time and again but the resilient Qatari defenders thwarted every single of their efforts. After the half-hour mark, Givson fired a bullet from inside the box but the goalie parried with it at ease. Both teams headed to the dressing room locked goalless.

After the resumption, India U-16 coach Bibiano Fernandes opted to introduce the fresh pair of legs of Lalrokima at the expense of Ravi. Eventually, the super-sub proved to be the match-winner who scored the winner for the India U-16 boys in the 75th minute.

The Qatar U-16 boys tried their heart out late in the match to find the back of the net but the India U-16 defence line proved too hard to get breached on the night.

The India U-16 boys are scheduled to play their next friendly game against Al-Sadd U-16 Team on Sunday, September 10.

(AIFF Media)