Thaindian News

Tashkent, Oct 5 (IANS) Indian boys got a 0-9 hammering by hosts Uzbekistan in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Under-16 qualifiers here Wednesday.

A spell of five minutes midway in the first half when Indian boys, very much against the run of play, conceded three goals.

And they were never allowed to come back in a crucial match against strong contenders Uzbekistan.

With the loss, India stay on 6 points from three matches while Uzbekistan moved to the top of the Group with 6 points from two matches.

In the present situation, India need a win in their last outing against Tajikistan for a berth in the final phase of the competition.

The manner in which India begun was reminiscent of their 2-1 win in the last match against Bahrain.

In the first 18 minutes, India moved into scoring positions twice. Once Uttam Rai’s quick half-turner inside the box hit a leg in the crowd and went off. And Harmanjot Singh hurried his cross straight to the rival goalkeeper.

The midfield led by Lalramzuava was pressing hard and play was switched to the flanks, keeping the rivals guessing.

So much so, that even when Abbasov Shohjahon headed in Uzbekistan’s first goal in the 18th minute, all stayed confident India will pull it back. Uzbekistan had only defended till then.

“The worst fears came true,” Coach Thomas Joseph commented. “Once we conceded, we were not able to control it.”

“Uzbekistan are a very talented and a strong side. But we were nowhere near our potential. The last match is a must-win for us.”

The Indians, usually chirpy, didn’t utter a single word in the dressing room and in the team bus.