SAFF U16 – India book Final ticket from tie breaker

India made their way to the finals with 4-3 win over Afghanistan in tie breaker after the match ended goalless draw in regulation time.

The first half could not get any goals neither it possessed any attacks as both teams were busy in midfield battle chasing for possession. Afghanistan started early with a few attack while India displayed few attacks later in the first half, however failed to posses any stronger threats. The 33rd minute counter attack from Afghanistan increased the momentum of the game but Nasar Ahmad failed to find the hole in the goal as goalkeeper Dheeraj was in right position to deflect away the ball.

India missed golden chance in 45th minute as Surya failed to place the ball in almost empty situation after Afghanistan goalkeeper Rasuli failed to collect an air ball delivered from a corner.

Afghanistan had their first say in the second half, Mansory caused two quick threats for opponent defenders in 52nd and 53rd minute. His first superb long ranger was victim of equally superb save.

Afghanistan were disappointed by another good save from Indian keeper Dheeraj who denied Nasar Ahmad Nekzad on a great chance as his attempt to flick the ball over Dheeraj was denied by his fingertip touch.

India’s free kick was another chance in 63rd minute but the ball got deflected for a corner which was later cleared out in 63rd minute.

Nasar Ahmad Nekzad wasted another Afghanistan chance as he filed to make final impact being slow wasting some time as Indian defenders were too quick to surround him.

India 84th minute team work was a terrific one as impressive move from Jerry who dribbled passed three defenders and passed the ball to Krishna Pandit who made first touch pass to second half substitution Aaron. His final shot was well saved by Afghanistan keeper Rasuli.

Jerry who displayed good game through the match made long ranger attempt in 90th minute of the game. The long ranger added hope to Indian fans who chanted for their team but the shot went away from target.

Penalty Shoot Out

1. Krishna Pandit first takes the shoot. Skies the ball. India 0-0 Afghanistan.

2. Wazari takes the shot for Afghanistan, scores into right side of the post. India 0-1 Afghanistan.

3. Bedashwortakes second shot for India, scores. Goalkeeper Rasuli dived the other way. India 1-1 Afghanistan.

4. Nasar Ahmad Nekzad scores for Afghanistan. India 1-2 Afghanistan.

5. Prosenjit Chakroborty takes the shot for India, scores in bottom right side. India 2-2 Afghanistan.

6. Captain Said Jalal Hussain, kicks off target right side of the post. India 2-2 Afghanistan.

7. Surya takes forth shot for India. Scores to the bottom left corner. India 3-2 Afghanistan.

8. Sardari Amanullah scores for Afghanistan. India 3-3 Afghanistan.

9. Substitute Aaron scores left top corner.Perfect Penalty. India 4-3 Afghanistan.

10. Massive pressure on Mortaza. His shot finds the cross bar.