India U-14 colts finish campaign with a draw

Shizuka (Japan), Oct 12 (IANS): India were held to a goalless draw by Bangladesh in their last match of the U-14 SAARC Tournament at Tokinosumika Sports Centre here Friday.

India dominated right from the kick-off and stretched the game to the flanks where Bedeshwor and Zonunmawia kept up the pressure.

Bedashwor came close to scoring in the 11th minute but his shot from inside the box narrowly missed the target.

India finished second on eight points while Japan Football Football Association Academy Team 1 topped the group with 10 points.

Head coach of the Indian contingent Sajid Dar lavished praise on the youngsters for their performance.

“The SAARC U-14 tournament has certainly boosted the ongoing development process of our youth team and this is going to help them play better in the long run. The team improved with every match,” he said.

Former India international Gautam Ghosh, at present the assistant coach, lauded the boys for acclimatising fast to the Tokyo weather conditions.

“The boys displayed exemplary commitment and adjusted to the conditions fast. It was a very good exposure trip for them,” he commented.