India U-15 begins SAFF campaign with 1-2 loss against Pakistan

A late goal by Pakistan in the 85th minute proved to be the difference between the two sides in a tightly contested match.

Pakistan initially had the opening lead, before India equalised it in the 53rd minute. (Representational Image)

India began its title defence in a disappointing manner after it succumbed to a 1-2 loss to arch-rival Pakistan in the SAFF U-15 Championship at the ANFA Complex in Kathmandu on Thursday.

A goal by Pakistan in the 85th minute proved to be decisive. Pakistan initially had the opening lead, before India equalised it in the 53rd minute.

It was in the 30th minute when Adnan Justin opened the account for Pakistan from a close ranger shot, as it held the lead until the half-time whistle.

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Thlacheu Vanlalruatfela equalised for India in the 53rd minute after he broke free of the Pakistani defence and latched onto a through ball, bundling it home with ease.

The team will go head to head against Bhutan on October 27, 2018 in its final group stage tie of the tournament. The semifinals of the SAFF U-15 Championship are slated for November 1, while the final is on November 03.