Kathmandu: Second half goals saw India cruise to a 3-0 win over Palestine in their opening AFC U-16 Championship 2018 Malaysia qualifying campaign at the Halchowk grounds in Kathmandu on Wednesday.
Givson Singh Moirangthem, Bekey Oram and skipper Vikram Pratap scored for India, who prepared for the Qualifers by lifting the Saff U-15 Championship title in Kathmandu last month.
The victory will be a great morale booster for India going to the next challenge against reigning AFC U-16 champions Iraq and hosts Nepal, who they meet on Friday.
Only the group winners are assured of a ticket to the Finals in Malaysia next year.
India made their intent clear in the 11th minute when unmarked inside the danger zone, Oram shot just wide of the target following a perfect left flank cross from India skipper Pratap in the 11th minute.
Palestine got a huge reprieve in the 27 minute as defender Harpreet Singh’s header off Oram's corner rebounded of the inner cross bar.
Palestine got another reprive in the 32nd minute as the onrushing goalkeeper appeared to have handled the ball just outside the box but referee Pechsri Mongkolchai waved play on.
After failing to muster a single shot on target in the first half, Palestine finally saw a chance five minutes after the resumption but Omar Kabha shot shoot straight into the arms of Indian custodian Lalbiakhlua Jongte.
After missing out on several scoring opportunites in the first half, India finally made the breakthough in the 54th minute when Moirangthem converted a superb freekick at the far post.
India upped their tempo after the first goal and missed out on scoring thrice in quick succession.
Ricky John Shabong shot wide off skipper Pratap’s left wing cross in the 64th minute before substitute Lalrokima’s attempt from close range was blocked by the Palestine defence. A few seconds later Oram shot wide of the target.
Oram made amends for his earlier miss by heading home a cross from Shabong to double the Indian lead in the 75th minute.
India made sure of all three points with their influential skipper Partap scoring the third in the 74th minute. The Indian skipper charged into the area and slammed the ball past Palestine goalkeeper Mohammed Hamed.
Photos: AFC
Source: the-afc.com