AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: The Indian U-16 National Team was crowned champions of the Four-Nation Tournament held in Serbia from May 09-13, 2018 after the Indian Colts defeated Tajikistan 4-2 today (May 13, 2018).

The Four-Nation Tournament saw the Indian U-16s face hosts Serbia, Jordan, and Tajikistan and while the Indian Colts drew 0-0 with the hosts, they defeated Jordan 2-1 and Tajikistan 4-2.

In what was a stellar start for the Indian U-16s against Tajikistan today, the young colts took the lead as early as the 5^th minute when Gibson lobbed the ball over the opposing custodian. Two minutes later, Sailo took advantage of a scramble inside the opposition box and scored to double India’s lead.

India tripled their lead in the 9^th minute when Shabaj slotted the ball home to make the scoreline read 3-0 in less than ten minutes. Tajikistan started to fight back and in the 12^th minute pulled a goal back courtesy of a penalty kick.

In the 15^th minute, Tajikistan minimized their deficiency and found the Indian net once again to make the scoreline read 3-2.

After the half-time scoreline read 3-2 in India’s favour, and with Tajikistan holding on to hopes of a dramatic comeback, the Indian Colts put the match to rest.

In the 66^th minute, Ricky’s through ball found Rohit Danu and the latter bundled the ball home to give India a two-goal lead cushion as the scoreline read 4-2. The full-time scoreline read the same as India finished their campaign unbeaten in three matches, accumulating seven points out of a maximum nine.