Dhaka, Bangladesh, 28 September 2016: With a berth in the Final at stake, a traditional rivalry will take centre stage as India take on Pakistan in the Semi Finals of the U18 Asia Cup.
The two teams have success before in the competition, India having appeared in it twice—winners in 2001 and fifth in 2009. Pakistan have also twice been part of the tournament, winning it in 2009 and finishing with Bronze in 2011.
In the 2016 tournament, the two teams have had a contrasting set of results. Pakistan has brushed past a relatively inexperienced and easy pool with ease, beating Chinese-Taipei 6-1 in their opener and China 6-0 in the next game. They won their final game against Hong Kong 14-0 to top the group.
India faced a tough challenge against the hosts in the opening game of the tournament and went down 5-4 in what was arguably the most exciting match played yet. Brushing off that loss, they defeated Oman 11-0 to take their first points of the competition.
Indian forwards Ibungo Singh Konjengbam and Dilpreet Singh have been in sparkling form in the tournament with four goals each. At the back, despite the disappointment of the first game, Captain Nilam Sanjeep Xess and goalkeeper Pankaj Kumar Rajak have been standout performers.
Speaking about the encounter Coach BJ Kariappa said, “The traditional rivalry adds a unique flavour to the contest, but we expect that. The boys are focused on the task at hand. Pakistan have been prolific in front of goal, so obviously we will need to tighten up our defensive structure in the game. On the other hand, I don’t think they have had to face an attacking side like ours, with this depth of talent yet, so it will be a challenge for them too.”
India play Pakistan in the second Semi Final on 29 September 2016 at 14.30hours IST.
