India U-16s beat Tajikistan to be crowned champions of 4-nation tournament

Gibson, Sailo, Shabaj and Rohit Danu scored the goals for the Blue Colts.

The Indian U-16 National Team was crowned champions of the Four-Nation Tournament held in Serbia from May 09-13, 2018 after the Indian Colts defeated Tajikistan 4-2 today (May 13, 2018).

The Four-Nation Tournament saw the Indian U-16s face hosts Serbia, Jordan, and Tajikistan and while the Indian Colts drew 0-0 with the hosts, they defeated Jordan 2-1 and Tajikistan 4-2.

In what was a stellar start for the Indian U-16s against Tajikistan today, the young colts took the lead as early as the 5th minute when Gibson lobbed the ball over the opposing custodian. Two minutes later, Sailo took advantage of a scramble inside the opposition box and scored to double India’s lead.

India tripled their lead in the 9th minute when Shabaj slotted the ball home to make the scoreline read 3-0 in less than ten minutes. Tajikistan started to fight back and in the 12th minute pulled a goal back courtesy of a penalty kick.

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In the 15th minute, Tajikistan minimized their deficiency and found the Indian net once again to make the scoreline read 3-2.

After the half-time scoreline read 3-2 in India’s favour, and with Tajikistan holding on to hopes of a dramatic comeback, the Indian Colts put the match to rest.

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In the 66th minute, Ricky’s through ball found Rohit Danu and the latter bundled the ball home to give India a two-goal lead cushion as the scoreline read 4-2. The full-time scoreline read the same as India finished their campaign unbeaten in three matches, accumulating seven points out of a maximum nine.

Coming into the game on the back of a come-from-behind win against Jordan and a goalless draw against Serbia the youngsters have been the most consistent team in the tournament and richly deserve their title. The team is gearing up for the AFC U-16 Championships to be held later this year.