AIFF Youth Cup: India salvages point against Malaysia

Malaysia was leading 2-0 with strikes from Muhammad Sallahuddin (43rd) and Arif Suhami (78th, penalty) with just 12 minutes of normal time to play but the home team scored twice to take one point from the match.

The AIFF Youth Cup is being held in India as part of the preparation for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup to be hosted by the country next year.

India scored a last-gasp goal as it made a fine recovery from 0-2 down to begin its campaign with a 2-2 draw against Malaysia in the AIFF Youth Cup international football tournament here today.

Malaysia was leading 2-0 with strikes from Muhammad Sallahuddin (43rd) and Arif Suhami (78th, penalty) with just 12 minutes of normal time to play but the home team scored twice to take one point from the match in the Under-16 tournament.

Komal Hatal pulled one back in the 80th minute before Boris Thangjam (94th) found the equaliser in the fourth minute of the injury time.

The tournament is being held in India as part of the preparation for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup to be hosted by the country next year.

Earlier, USA was held to a 1-1 draw by Tanzania in the opening match. Both the goals were scored in the first half which saw play confined to the midfield for most part as both the teams lacked the thrust to penetrate into each other’s rival defence.

USA started in right earnest as it took an early lead in the third minute through Grant Ogundimu off a pass from Jean William from the right. But Tanzania fought back after the early set back and found the equaliser in the 13th minute through a powerful shot from 18 yards by Mohammd Rashid Abdullah off a pass from Ally Nganzi.