 | « Back to article | Print this article |
India produced a clinical performance to rout Lebanon 4-1 in their second encounter of the Under-16 AFC Qualifiers at the Sabah Al-Salem Stadium, in Kuwait City, on Wednesday.
Nuruddin (9th minute), Jayananda Singh (43rd), Anirudh Thapa (61st) and Bedashwor Singh (65th) scored for India, while Lebanon got a solitary goal through Ali Kharoubi in the 58th minute.
Represented by the All India Football Federation's Regional Academy boys, India now have four points from two matches and are placed second in their group.
The Indians got off to a sensational start when midfielder Nuruddin blasted a long-ranger from 30 yards, in the ninth minute, which a diving Lebanese goalkeeper Mohamad Taha's failed to stop.
Just before half-time, Jayananda doubled India's lead against a more physical Lebanese side when he tapped Jerry Lalrinzuala's header into the net.
India went into the break on a high, but on changing ends conceded a goal.
In the 58th minute, Lebanon regained a bit of momentum and pulled a goal back to raise hopes of a fightback. But their joy was short-lived as Anirudh increased India's lead three minutes later.
Bedashwor then put the issue beyond doubt by adding to India's tally in the 66th minute.
India will play Bhutan in their next group match on Friday.
Image: India players celebrate after their victory
Photograph: AIFF