Poor luck befalls India U-15 in narrow defeat to Macedonia

The Blue Colts mustered a flurry of chances but failed to convert them.

The India U-15 men's team were at the wrong end of a 1-0 scoreline against Macedonia U-15 on Saturday (May 4, 2019) in a match held in Rence, Slovenia.

The first half saw the Indian side create a flurry of chances from the start, with Renedy Yumnam coming close to scoring in as early as the third minute with a shot from range.

Captain Eric Lalsangzuala had a major impact from midfield as he almost found the net from 30 yards in the sixth minute and played in Sridarth Nongmeikapam just three minutes later - only for the forward's shot to be saved by the keeper.

As the game wore on, India continued to have the better of the scoring opportunities - with the best one coming through Maheson Singh in the 23rd minute. After exchanging passes with Eric and Amosa Lalnundanga, he broke in on goal and saw his shot come back off the post.

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Sridarth, who found the net thrice in the last two games for Bibiano Fernandes' side, continued to pose a threat to the Macedonia defence and was denied by the keeper again as the half drew to a close.

In the second half though, Macedonia scored the first goal of the game through a corner kick in the 42nd minute. The Indian side pressed for the equalizer and almost got it two minutes later via a Sridarth free-kick, which was stopped by the custodian.

India continued to attack till the final whistle but fell short eventually as the match ended 1-0 in Macedonia's favour, with Maheson coming closest to level the score at the hour mark.  

India U-15 Starting XI: Ayush Deshwal (GK), Ranjan Soren, Shameek Vas, Abdul Hannan, Halen N, Ashu, Amosa Lalnundanga, Eric Lalsangzuala (C), Maheson Singh Tongbram, Renedy Yumnam, Sridarth