The Indian U-19 national team progressed into the finals of the SAFF U-19 2015 Championship as they defeated Bangladesh 4-3 on penalties after a goalless stalemate at the end of 90 minutes in Satdobato, Nepal
New Delhi: The Indian U-19 national team progressed into the finals of the SAFF U-19 2015 Championship as they defeated Bangladesh 4-3 on penalties after a goalless stalemate at the end of 90 minutes in Satdobato, Nepal.
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The Indian colts now face Nepal in the title clash of the championship, which is slated to kick off on Saturday. Coming off a 3-0 win against Maldives in their last group stage match, the Indian colts pressed from the whistle, as they searched for an early breakthrough.
In the 23rd minute, Daniel's shot came agonisingly close to the goal. Two minutes later, a glitzy one touch passing move, which penetrated the Bangladeshi defence, was concluded with a shot straight at the opponent's custodian.
Mounting pressure and disabling any Bangladeshi attacks with acute finesse, the Indian colts started to control the tempo of the match. A floated corner was met by a thumping header which flew whiskers over the bar in the 29th minute.
With the Indian colts gaining ground towards goal, the danger was there for all to see, however the attacking finesse of the colts lacked the conversion and thus at half-time the scoreline remained stagnant at 0-0.
In the 81st minute of the match, the Indian colts came close to securing the decisive goal as Daniel's shot flew inches wide of the post. Seconds later, another Indian attempt went abegging. With 90 minutes not enough to segregate the teams, penalty shoot-out commenced, wherein the colts won 4-3.