Thaindian News

Tashkent, Oct 7 (IANS) Indian boys trounced Tajikistan 4-1 in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Under-16 football qualifiers to make the final phase of the competition.

With the win, India booked their place in the main tournament for the second time in four years.

The emphatic victory tasted sweeter to the boys after they were hammered 0-9 by hosts Uzbekistan in the last match.

After Komron Tursonov converted from the spot in the 16th minute to put Tajikistan in the lead, a ruthless display by Indian boys sealed it for them. Lalramzuava equalised off a direct free-kick while Uttam Rai tapped in after Daniel got past two defenders to leave the score 2-1 at the interval.

Changing over, first stopper Sarthak Golui headed in Raja Rawat’s free-kick and when everyone was waiting for the final whistle, Daniel completed the rout.

Coach Thomas Joseph attributed the victory to team effort.

“Everyone has made a sacrifice — right from the boys to the team management. All have been away from their families for long. Hence, the satisfaction level stays higher,” he said.

Kushal Das, the general secretary of the AIFF, also lauded the boys.

“I congratulate the boys and Colm Toal for the way he has been nurturing our Youth Development Teams, which is now yielding results. I am very optimistic that our current initiative with FIFA for setting up Regional and Elite Academies will go a long way in taking Indian football to the next level,” he said.