India U-19 national team (Photo courtesy: AIFF Media)
Hattricks from Edmund Larindika and Naorem Roshan Singh helped India U-19 register a comeback victory over Singapore U-19 in an international friendly after having gone down a goal as early as the 2nd minute at the Athletic Stadium in Bambolim, Goa on June 19.
Singapore struck early in the 2nd minute but Edmund pulled things back in the 7th minute before helping to take the lead in the 23rd minute with Roshan being the provider on both instances. Singapore though levelled things soon after in the 27th minute before attacking play completely shifted momentum towards India.
The boys soon grabbed back the lead as Roshan’s goal began an 11 minute flurry which saw the boys going past the Singaporean defence four times. Edmund got his hattrick, while Roshan and Lalnuntluanga added to the tally with India leading 6-2 going into the break.
The second half began with goalkeeper Patra pulling off good save from a free kick as the opposition tried to assert themselves on the field. Changes followed with Singapore making things tighter at the back. Subsequently the goals dried up as heavy rain made the outfield wet and slushy.
The conditions slowed down the game with both teams unable to make headway. The last goal of the game finally came in the 85th minute with Roshan getting his third to complete the second hattrick of the game.
The two teams meet again on June 21 at the same venue.
(AIFF Media)