India’s U-17 Men’s National Team put in a strong performance to defeat host Qatar U-17s in the second of two friendly matches at the Aspire Academy in Doha on Tuesday, February 28, 2023.
India qualified for the final rounds of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup to be held later this year and these matches were held as part of the preparations for the tournament.
Qatar, which had won the first friendly 3-1 on Saturday, was suppressed early on by India. Bibiano Fernandes’s side opened the scoring in the 10th minute when Qatari goalkeeper Zeiad Shoaib sent a backward pass inside their penalty area, giving India an indirect free kick that was converted by defender Ricky Meetei Haobam.
India was not far behind after taking the lead and kept up the pressure. Danny Laishram came close to doubling the lead when his free kick from outside the 18-yard box whistled off the post.
However, the Blue Colts benefited from their next set piece opportunity. Gurnaj Singh Grewal crossed to captain Korou Singh Thingujam, who saw his shot blocked by keeper Shoaib. But the rebound went down well with Shashwat Panwar, who took advantage to convert the second for India. It was Panwar’s second goal in as many games.
The second half did not see much action at the goal mouth, but India had few chances to build an even bigger lead. Danny’s shot was collected by the goalkeeper before Panwar’s effort went just wide. Indian goalkeeper Sahil made his only save in the 71st minute, an acrobatic one to keep a clean sheet.
Coach Fernandes made some substitutions in the last 15 minutes to end the contest. Entered Malemngamba Singh Thokchom, Vanlalpeka Guite, Gogocha Chungkham and Lalpekhlua.
Finally, Korou wrapped up the victory with India’s third goal in stoppage time. Guite took out Korou with a brilliant through ball and the full-back did not fail in the one-on-one with the goalkeeper.
