Picture courtesy: FC Dordrecht
A Nijwm Muchahary goal deep into second half injury time helped the India U-16 national team, represented by the AIFF U-16 Kalayani Regional Academy Boys, record a 1-0 win over the U-17 Academy Boys of Dutch Eredivisie newcomers FC Dordrecht in their first match in The Netherlands on Wednesday.
After battling through 80 minutes (match was of 80 minutes duration), the U-16 colts got their reward through striker Nijwm who struck a neat right-footer low to the goalkeeper’s left after collecting possession just outside the box, with the match in its extra life.
The hosts got the first corner of the match which was easily cleared by the Indian backline. Moments later the India U-16 boys got a free kick from a good position but Anirudh Thapa dragged it wide.
The Kalyani Academy Boys who recently took part in the 2014 Asia Champions Trophy were dictating play in the middle of the park and Nijwm Muchahary sent in a warning shot that warmed the gloves of the rival goalkeeper.
Bedashwor Singh missed the best chance of the half soon after, skewing wide of the Dordrecht goal from the edge of the six yard box after intercepting well from rival defender deep into their half.
Chances were few for both the teams in the second half. Coach Goutam Ghosh tried to get the game by the scruff of the collar by ringing in a host of fresh legs. It paid dividends in the five minutes of added time.
Nijwm took advantage of some good play in midfield to collect possession on the edge of the area. The striker then went past two defenders with aplomb to send in a thunderous left-footer low to the keeper’s left.
(Report courtesy AIFF Media / Picture courtesy FC Dordrecht)