The Indian U16 national team has lost the SAFF U16 Championship 2011 final at the Dasrath Stadium, Kathmandu (Nepal). The Indian colts went down 1-2 against arch rivals Pakistan.
Pakistan took the lead in the 25th minute through a shot by Mohamad Zeeshan, which left India keeper Supratim Bhattacharya chanceless.
But the Indian team, who beat hosts Nepal in the semis, didn’t surrender despite the pro Pakistan chants from the stands and pressed hard for the equalizer.
The Indian youngsters were rewarded for their fighting spirit in the dying moments of the first half, when midfielder Daniel Lalhlimpuia received the ball in the Pakistani box and slotted it home from a short distance.
But India had to face another early setback in the second half. Pakistan added a second goal to their tally, when a Mansoor Khan shot found the net in the 50th minute.
India were in full control of the second session but failed to create any valuable chances to level the score.
Pakistan managed to hold on to the Indian pressure and clinched the SAFF U16 Championship for the very first time.
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Pakistan U16 2-1 India U16
Goals
1-0 Mohamad Zeeshan (25′)
1-1 Daniel Lalhlimpuia (45’+2′)
2-1 Mansoor Khan (50′)