India off to a flyer
Defending champions India got off to a flying start in the SAFF U-16 Championship in Sylhet with a 5-0 drubbing of Sri Lanka in the opening fixture yesterday. The youth brigade of the Blue Tigers dominated the encounter at the Sylhet District Stadium from the word go and, despite hitting the woodwork a number of times, came out with the massive victory in this Group A fixture.
Saurabh Meher, who scored a hattrick, opened the scoring the 31st minute, but his side had to go to the breather with slender lead, thanks to a combination of a couple of good saves from Sri Lanka keeper Lakshan Yapa and the woodwork. However, Sri Lanka conceded an own goal in the 48th minute before Saurabh made it 3-0 in the next minute. Mohammad Shahjahan added another in the 66th minute before Saurabh completed his hattrick eight minutes later.
India coach Beethan Singh was delighted with the result and credited his players for executing his gameplan efficiently.
“We are happy to have started the campaign with a big win, which was a result of execution of the game plan. Our football federation gives a lot of emphasis on football academies, which is why the basics of the game are enrooted in these youngsters,” said Singh.
In today's match, Nepal, the runners-up of the previous edition, will take on Maldives in the first match of Group B at the same venue. Hosts Bangladesh will play their first game against Sri Lanka tomorrow.
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