24 September,2015 07:27 AM IST | | PTI
Indian U-19 football team produced a hard-fought 2-1 win over Malaysian Club Side Frenz United A in the FAM-FRENZ Asia Champions Trophy played at Tilak Maidan here yesterday
Vasco: Indian U-19 football team produced a hard-fought 2-1 win over Malaysian Club Side Frenz United A in the FAM-FRENZ Asia Champions Trophy played at Tilak Maidan here yesterday.
Daniel Lalhlimpuia and Mawihmingthanga scored on either side of half-time to hand Frenz United A their first defeat of the Asia Champions Trophy 2015, whilst enabling the Indian colts to garner seven points out of four matches. The Indian colt started on right earnest as they attacked the rival goal with fluidity and had an early chance to surge ahead in the 3rd minute when Mawihmingthanga run on the flank, beating two rival defenders and took a shot at the goal which was saved by the rival keeper. Two minutes later Malsawmzuala's fierce shot nearly found the net.
The Indian colts kept the momentum going and had a chance to surge ahead when Chhangte's power-pack shot saw rival defender head over the ball for an abortive corner midway in the first half. The visitor, who were busy in guarding their citadel, came with counter moves and Ashique shot was cleared by the keeper.
Indians kept the ball pushing into the rival goal and finally found success four minutes before the break when skipper Lalhlimpuia jumped high to get past his marker and head home following a freekick as India lead 1-0 at half time.
Changing over, the Indian colts came close to doubling their lead in the 51st minute as a shot flew just inches wide of the post. Three minutes later, Ashique' volley following a delicious cross from the right flank sailed over the crossbar. In the 65th minute, Frenz United A equalized against the run of play to make the score-line 1-1.
The Indian boys, however, did not give away the possession as they pressed hard to find the winner which they finally succeded in the 74th minute when Mawihmingthanga eluded two rival defenders and slotted the ball into the net to give the home team their second successive win.
The visitors tried hard to find the equalizer but the home team defender and keeper kept their nerves cool till the end denying the visitors the equalizer. Heaping praise on Head Coach of Indian U-19 team, Lee Johnson said: "I am extremely satisfied with the performance the team showcased tonight. The players had worked hard in the training and they deserved this win.
"This win has also given us the confidence and indicated us that we can play and edge out a result against an opposition which is well versed in the game. "It is satisfying and pleasing to see the Players showcase their leadership quality on the pitch. Our defenders worked hard during the match and had a brilliant game tonight," quipped Johnson.
