India U-16 earns late draw against FC Koln
The India U-16 team earned a 2-2 draw with the FC Koln youth side after coming back from behind twice.
Published : Aug 04, 2016 01:22 IST
The India U-16 team shared the spoils with FC Koln thanks to a first-half goal by Joysana and a penalty by Amarjit in the dying minutes of the game. The Indian boys came from behind twice against a German side which has won the U-17 Bundesliga (West region) twice in recent history.
FC Koln opened the scoring within the first five minutes afte the referee awarded it a spot-kick and the Germans continued to enjoy the lion's share of the possession.
Just after the 20-minute mark, India found the back of the net with an immaculate move. Following a brilliant 1-2 between Komal and Joysana, the latter found himself in a scoring position and duly converted, sending the Indian bench into delirium.
After the equaliser, India took the control of the game and started to dictate play till the end of the first half. It almost got its nose in front in the 28th minute but Sanjeev's right-footed free kick from the edge of the box missed the top corner by a whisker.
After the break, India resumed cautiously but conceded early again as FC Koln went 2-1 up in the 49th minute when an inch-perfect cross from the right flank was blasted in leaving no chance for the Indian custodian Dheeraj.
Boris probably had the best chance to level the terms when, instead of trying his own luck from the close range, he tried to pass it to Aman who was foiled by the FC Koln goalkeeper. On the short corner which was taken by Aman, Boris steered the ball towards the right corner but the woodwork denied him this time.
Late drama unfurled in the favour of the Indian boys as they denied FC Koln a win when Amarjit converted a penalty kick after being tripped inside the box.