AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: India U16 boys shared the spoils with FC Koln tonight, all thanks to a first-half goal by Joysana and a late penalty by Amarjit in the dying minutes of the game. Indian boys came back twice from behind against FC Koln, who have conquered the U17 Bundesliga (West region) twice in recent history. 

FC Koln U16 boys did not need to wait for more to opening the scoreline as they found the back of the net within first five minutes from what was a dubious decision by the official. The referee awarded a spot-kick in the home team's favour who did no mistake to tap it home calmly.

Indian boys were left clueless after the opening goal and FC Koln were enjoying the lion's share of the possession. Indian defenders ran a stupendous show to stave the danger, imposed by the Germans, off.

Just after the clock crossed the 20-minute mark, India found the back of the net from an immaculate gameplay by the youngsters. Following a brilliant 1-2 between Komal and Joysana, the later found himself in a favourable position and stole the equaliser, sending the India bench on a delirium.

Following the goal, Indian boys took the control of the game and started to dictate the game till the end of the first half. They almost got their nose in front in the 28th minute but Sanjeev's right-footed free kick from the top of the box missed the top corner by a whisker.

After the tad break, Indian boys resumed cautiously but they could not avert the danger as FC Koln hurled again in the 49th minute. The striker received an inch-perfect cross from the right flank and blasted the back of the net leaving no chance for the Indian custodian Dheeraj.

Boris probably had the best chance to levelling the terms on the halfway mark. Instead of trying his own luck from the close range, Boris tried to pass it to Aman but the FC Koln goalie averted the peril. On the short corner which was taken by Aman, Boris steered it rightly but the woodwork denied him this time.

A late drama was unfurled in the favour of the Indian boys in the last minute to cancel out a win for the FC Koln boys. Amarjit was tripped down inside the box and the referee didn't hesitate to award a spot-kick in the away team's favour. Amarjit stepped up to taking the penalty kick and didn't let his coach down.

From what was supposedly the last kick of the match,  India scored against FC Koln, one of the notable clubs in German, and not only gathered a draw tonight, but also loads of confidence ahead of the tough schedule awaiting them.