VASCO: The India U-16 team came down from two goals down to snatch a dramatic 2-2 draw against Malaysia in their opening match of the AIFF Youth Cup at the Tilak Maidan, Vasco, on Sunday.
Strikes by Muhammad Sallahuddin and skipper Arif Suhaimi in the 44th and the 79th minute respectively helped Malaysia to take a 2-0 lead inside 80 minutes. But a rampant attacking display in the last 10 minute of the match saw India equalize their deficit.
Komal Thatal pulled one back in the 82nd minute and then Boris Singh struck for the hosts in injury time (90+4) as both teams shared one point each.
Although, India created more goal scoring opportunities and prodded towards goal with every touch of the ball, it was their opponents who took the lead in the 44th minute. Just a minute before halftime, a defensive lapse saw Muhammad in the clear and he made the most of it curling his shot home.
Changing over, the Indians stretched the Malaysian defence while pinning them in their own half. In the 58th minute, live-wire Aniket’s header came close to equalizing the deficit for India as his chance went whiskers over the opposition bar.
The Indian colts were left reeling for the equalizer again in the 73rd minute when a cross from the right flank found an onrushing Sanjeev Stalin. In an attempt to hit the cross first time Stalin fluffed his shot as the ball flied inches past the post.
The Indian momentum, however, was short-lived as Malaysia were awarded a penalty in the 79th minute and rival Captain Arif Suhami blasted the ball home to double their lead.
The drama started thereafter. The Indian colts reduced their deficit in the 82nd minute when Komal’s shot from outside of the box landed into the back of the Malaysian net to make the scoreline read 2-1.
Boris scored the equalizer in the extra time of the second half as he capitalized on a goalkeeping howler and slotted the ball home to make the full-time scoreline read 2-2.
