AIFF Media Team
NEW DELHI: India U-23 registered a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Bangladesh to breeze into the Final of Men’s Football Championship in the ongoing South Asian Games in Guwahati on Saturday (February 13).
India led 2-0 at the interval.
After Udanta Singh put India into the lead in the 22nd minute, Mawihmingthanga followed it up with a “fantastic” strike from outside the box five minutes before the interval.
Changing over, Jayesh Rane sealed the fate in the 65th minute, a half which also saw Bangladesh Coach Gonzalo Moreno being sent to the stands.
“We were more organised in defence and midfield and though Bangladesh had more possession they were not able to penetrate,” Head Coach Lee Johnson said post match.
The first goal came in the 22nd minute. Jerry pressed Razaul Karim inside the 18-yard box forcing a bit of indecision on art of the latter. Udanta, who was complementing Jerry took advantage, sidestepped Topu Barman and pushed it into the net.
The second goal -- Jerry’s strike from outside the box which dug deep into the right bottom corner will stay in memories for long, especially when you will remember that it came from an 18-year old.
“It was so encouraging to have two U-18s and a U-19 Player on the field in the second half,” Johnson stated, referring to Zuala, Jerry and Vinit Rai.
“Jerry’s goal was fantastic. But he still has a long way to go,” he added. All three, in fact!
“There were Players whom we could have selected who were available but we preferred to give these boys a chance. It’s a big achievement and good for the development of Football in India,” he maintained. “
“The scouting network set up by the AIFF is allowing us to get new boys and without giving a chance to Players you don’t get to know their potential.”
Jayesh put it beyond the reach in the 65th minute, sending it in from inside the box.
The final is slated for February 15.
INDIA: Rehenesh; Pritam Kotal, Sandesh Jhingan, Bikramjt Singh, Narayan Das (Captain) (Samad Ali Mallick – 80th); Udanta Singh, Rowlin Borges, Germanpreet Singh (Vinit Rai – 86th), Jayesh Rane, Jerry, Halicharan Narzary (Zuala – 74th).
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