The AIFF XI (India U-16), represented by All India Football Federation’s U-16 Regional Academy boys based in Kalyani, West Bengal, registered a comprehensive 2-1 victory over Frenz United, Indonesia in an away match of the Asian Champions Trophy 2014 in Bandu, Indonesia on Saturday.
After a barren first-half, captain Nuruddin Sameer put AIFF XI in the lead in the 47th minute only for Zidane Aldrine to restore parity for the home side in the 75th minute. But a brilliant Jerry Lalrinzuala free-kick from 30 yards settled the issue for AIFF Academy boys in the 85th minute.
The last time the two teams met at the Barasat Stadium in June 2014, AIFF XI, despite dominating and enjoying an one-nil lead till the 83rd minute, had eventually lost 1-2.
Head Coach Goutam Ghosh said his team “deserved” to win.
“We played some positive football. This wasn’t an easy match for us. But the boys adjusted fast and played to their potential. The tournament is a developmental process for us. The experience gained will help us in the long run,” he told AIFF Media.
AIFF XI next play Timor Leste U-16 Team in an away match on July 12.
(Report & Picture courtesy AIFF Media)