Match action between Assumption United FC and the India U-15 national team. (Photo courtesy: AIFF Media)
The India U-15 National Team wrapped up their exposure trip to Thailand in style with a convincing 2-0 victory against Assumption United FC today (August 9, 2018). The Blue Colts, in the process, scored 17 goals and conceded only 4 goals in four matches to maintain the 100% winning record during this tour.
Sridarth, who had already scored six goals in three matches before, broke the deadlock in the 40th minute before substitute Shubho Paul doubled the scoreline in the 59th minute to seal the victory.
Coach Bibiano Fernandes made two changes in the starting line-up from the previous match, putting Lalthangliana and Himanshu Jangra in replacing Sibajit Singh and Shubho Paul respectively.
India, who kicked off with more intent, could have breached the opponent defence in the 4th minute but Sridarth’s shot was collected by the goalkeeper.
Lalthangliana, who started his first match in Thailand, fired it from inside the box but it got jammed in the goalie’s gloves in the 20th minute.
Five minutes to the half-time whistle, Yoihenmba put in a brilliant cross for the target man Sridarth who slotted it home to give India an edge at the end of the first half.
At the stroke of the hour-mark, Shubho Paul, who replaced Taison Singh after the resumption, extended the lead from a well-placed cross by Maheson.
Assumption United FC attacker Jejthipat Wongyee shot it from wide but goalie Aman Sahani made an acrobatic save to maintain the comfortable lead in the 89th minute.
Eventually, India hung on to the 2-0 lead until the final whistle to secure the win.
Bibiano Fernandes’ boys will now compete in the SAFF U-15 Championship Kalyani 2019 which is scheduled to kick-off with India facing Nepal in the opening fixture on August 21, 2019.
India U-15 MNT – Starting XI
Aman Sahani (GK); Paogoumang, Amandeep, Anish Mazumder, Pritam Meetei; Maheson Singh, Taison Singh, Yoihenba Meitei, Lalthangliana; Sridarth, Himanshu Jangra
(AIFF Media)