AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: The Indian U-17 World Cup Squad defeated Sports Authority of India U-16 2-1 in an exhibition match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi today (February 02, 2016).

Coming on the back of a 1-1 stalemate against NorthEast XI, the Indian colts attacked from the kick-off and almost scored as early as the 2^nd minute itself when Aniket rattled the woodwork.

Four minutes later, the Indian Colts fostered a clear goal scoring opportunity after a tacky one touch play around the 18 yard box. The finishing shot however flew over the bar as the attacking opportunity went abegging.

Fostering opportunity after opportunity, whilst dominating possession in the opponents’ half was meant to pay dividends and in the 25^th minute it did as the Indian Colts took the lead after some glitzy passing combinations, to make the score-line 1-0.

Shortly after, SAI U-16 equalized their deficit against the run of play to make the scoreline 1-1.

Not to be deterred, the U-17 World Cup Squad attacked with fluidity and precision, as chances came in plenty. The Indian Colts scored in the 38^th minute to lead once again in the match as the scoreline read 2-1.

After the half-time score-line read 2-1 in favour of the Indian Colts, SAI U-16 committed bodies in defence to deter the attacking flow of the Colts. In the 51^st minute, the SAI custodian made a top-draw save to deny the Indian Colts a two goal advantage.

Shortly after, the Indian Colts once again rattled the bar as the Colts tried to put the game to bed by taking a two goal lead cushion. However, opportunities went abegging as the full-time scoreline read 2-1 in favour of the Indian Colts.

The Chief Project Director of SAI, Mr.S.S.Hakim, who was also present on the occasion commended the Indian U-17 World Cup Squad on their performance and said, “It is heartening to see the progression of the Indian U-17 World Cup Squad and their preparation for the (U-17) World Cup (2017)”

“Alongwith AIFF, the Sports Authority of India is also preparing for the World Cup and will be establishing Centres for U-15 boys”

“The exhibition matches act as a value addition to the scouting process which is important in order to scan the demography of India in terms of Footballing talent”