AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: India U-16 National Team got off to a winning start in the SAFF U-16 Championships when they defeated Sri Lanka U-16 boys 5-0 in their first Group League match at the Sylhet District Stadium, Sylhet, Bangladesh on Sunday (August 9, 2015).

The Indian colts led 1-0 at the interval.

The first goal came in the 31^st minute when Saurabh Meher provided the perfect finish to Rahim Ali’s defence splitting pass as he pushed it past the Goalkeeper.

The second goal came in the 48^th minute, three minutes after resumption. It was an own goal when a rival defender hit it into his own net trying to intercept a cross from Shahjahan.

India scored their third goal a minute later. Rakip flicked Shahjahan’s corner to Saurabh who slammed it in.

The Indians continued their domination and soon scored their fourth. Shahjahan took his name to the score sheet when he tapped in the rebound after the rival Goalkeeper had failed to collect Saurabh’s long ranger.

An opportunistic Saurabh completed his hat-trick in the 74^th minute. He capitalised on the rival Goalkeeper’s failure to punch away Saqlain’s shot and put it into the net.