AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: The Indian U-15 National Team blasted nine goals past a hapless Maldives in the opening match of the SAFF U-15 Championship in a 9-0 win at the ANFA Complex in Kathmandu, Nepal today (August 19, 2017).

Although the Colts attacked from the whistle, the breakthrough came in the 20^th minute after Bekey’s cross was thumped home by Ravi giving the Indian Colts a solitary goal advantage.

Three minutes later, during a routine corner kick scenario, the Maldivian defence line bundled the ball into their own net to double India’s advantage. Ravi connected to a Samir cross from the flanks and scored to make it 3-0 for India in the 26^th minute.

Thoiba headed home in the 41^st minute from a corner kick as the Indian Colts led 4-0 at the half-way point.

Ravi completed his hattrick in the 48^th minute to put the result to bed as the Indian Colts led 5-0.

Goals by Ricky, Vikram and Lalrokima in the 57^th, 70^th and 80^th minute added gloss to the scoreline while a Maldivian own goal late in the game added to the opponents misery as the full-time scoreline read 9-0 in India’s favour. The Indian Colts next face hosts Nepal on August 23, 2017.