India Under-16 colts start Qatar tour with a 2-0 win

In what could be described as a tough competitor, considering that most of the last few exposure games were cakewalks, Indian Colts warded off their opponents early challenges to carve out a comprehensive 2-0 win over Qatar’s Aspire Academy Under-16.

Captain Rohit Dhanu continued to lead the attack alongside Bekey Oram while Givson, Gurkirat, Sailo and Ricky held the midfield. Thoiba Singh, Ahammed, Samir and Lalrokima held the defensive line with Ozone FC Academy product, Niraj Kumar, between the sticks.

The Indian colts looked to continue their winning streak but almost fell behind in the eleventh minute when a defensive mix-up allowed Aspire Striker to get 1-on-1 with Niraj Kumar.

However, the Indian custodian pulled off an amazing save to deny the host the opening goal.

Soon enough India came back with a couple of attacks of their own, however, neither Lalrokima nor Gurkirat’s strike could find the net. At the other end, Niraj was once again called into action to keep the score at 0-0. Finally, around the half-hour mark, the deadlock was broken as Bekey’s strike off Ricky’s cross found the net. Minutes later Rohit Dhanu almost doubled the lead but the ball ricocheted off the crossbar to keep the score 1-0 till the break.

The Indian captain had a couple of more attempts after the break only to be denied by the rival keeper. However, in the 74th minute, Dhanu was finally rewarded with a goal when he slotted home the second goal after being fed by a brilliant through ball from Givson.

Aspire U16‘s late challenge was easily dealt off by Indians as the game ended at 2-0