The Indian boys’ team secured their berth in the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2023 despite losing 1-2 to hosts Saudi Arabia in their final qualification match at the Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam.
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crew India The qualifying managed to cement their place in the event by becoming one of the six best second-placed teams in the tournament’s ten groups.
India had won their last three matches as they beat Maldives 5-0 before bettering Kuwait with three goals and a clean sheet.
The Blue Colts followed up their victory with another win over Myanmar against a team from the Middle East, which they defeated 4–1.
The match against the host nation got off to a quick start as Thangalsun Gangte threw the ball into a dangerous area inside the box. But, the Manipur player could not manage to convert it as the ball was already cleared as the striker looked to go a shot away.
Lalpekhlua played a brilliant cross to put Koru Singh in an optimistic position, and Singh’s shot was saved by the Saudi Arabian goalkeeper.
The resulting corner which was awarded to India was swung by Danny Meitei, causing some problems for the Middle Eastern team, but ended safely for Saudi Arabia.
After a while Talal Haji of Saudi Arabia found the corner of the net from the edge of the penalty area to give his team the lead.
India goalkeeper Sahil made some fine saves to keep the hosts afloat before Mukul Panwar denied Nawaf Alzadani’s effort in the 38th minute. Saudi Arabia created some positive opportunities but the Indian backline remained strong.
Haji troubled India again in the second period with his free kick from about 20 yards that went just over the crossbar. He once again registered his name on the scoresheet with a spot kick which he converted without any error in the 58th minute.
Koru Singh was once again in action when his diving header went close before Gangtey’s shot was denied a sharp save by the Arab goalkeeper.
Gangte finally came on the scoresheet as he drove the ball past the net with a brilliant finish to finish the game 1-2 in favor of the hosts despite India’s late bounce.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMahvLGjP7o" width="942" height="530" frameborder="0" allow fullscreen="allow fullscreen" ></iframe> <p><strong>India U17 Starting XI:</strong> Sahil (GK), Ricky Meitei Haobam, Mukul Panwar, Manjot Singh Dhami, Gurnaz Singh Grewal, Korou Singh Thingujam, Lalpekhlua, Thangalsan Gangtey, Vanlalpeka Guite (C), Malemangamba Singh Thokchom, Danny Meitei Laishram</strong> p> <p>read allLatest sports news And today’s fresh news Here