India beats Tajikistan to win U-16 four-nation tournament

The Indian U-16 team was crowned champions after the colts defeated Tajikistan 4-2 in the Four-Nation Tournament.

The Indian U-16 team was crowned champions after the colts defeated Tajikistan 4-2 in the Four-Nation Tournament.

The Indian U-16 team was crowned champion after the colts defeated Tajikistan 4-2 on Sunday in the Four-Nation Tournament held in Serbia.

In the tournament, the Indian colts drew 0-0 with the host Serbia, defeated Jordan 2-1 and Tajikistan 4-2.

It was a stellar start for the Indian U-16s as they took the lead as early as the fifth 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 the lead.

India tripled its lead when Shabaj slotted the ball home before the clock even turned 10 minutes. Tajikistan started to fight back and in the 12th minute pulled a goal back, courtesy of a penalty kick.

In the 15th minute, Tajikistan minimized its deficiency and found the Indian net once again. With Tajikistan holding on to hopes of a dramatic comeback, India put the match to rest in the second half.

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. The full-time scoreline read 4-2 as India finished its campaign unbeaten in three matches, accumulating seven points out of a maximum nine.