Dhaka, Bangladesh, 29 September 2016: India’s U18 Asia Cup Boys’ team beat Pakistan 3-1 in a high intensity Semi Final encounter today.
India were the first ones to dent the scoreboard Shivam Anand scoring in the 7th minute to give them the lead. Both teams had scored a high number of goals in the group stage so an attacking encounter was expected. The teams did not disappoint. Through the half they attacked each other furiously. It was India who were more clinical in front of the goal, and three minutes from the end of the half they doubled their lead with a PC goal by Dilpreet Singh.
The second half had a similar start to the first, India on the ascendancy, controlling possession and applying the pressure. Soon enough they won a PC, and from the flick, a foul gave them a stroke. Waqar in Pakistan’s goal saved the stroke to keep his side in the game. Within minutes though, the third goal arrived, Nilam Sanjeep Xess scoring another PC to give India a comfortable 3-0 lead.
Pakistan soon started capitulating under the pressure, and two of their players were penalised for technical fouls in the latter stages of the game. They managed to grab a goal back in the 63rd minute, but it proved to be too little too late as India held on to take a 3-1 victory.
Kunwardilraj Singh was adjudged the Man of the Match.
India will be in action in the Final of the U18 Men Asia Cup against Bangladesh tomorrow, 30 September 2016 at 14.30hrs IST.