India began their Campaign in the AFC U-16 Qualifiers in style as they outplayed Krygyzstan 7-0 in their first match at the Transportation Institute Stadium, the home ground of Uzbektsian’s Famous Club, FK Lokomotiv.
Even before the half-time whistle, Uttam Rai had completed his hat-trick as he went on to score five in the match while Daniel’s brace completed the rout.
For a team which has trained at the IMG Academy in Florida and then under the watchful eyes of Youth Development Head Coach Colm Toal in Goa, the start in the Championship mattered much. Enjoying a five-goal cushion at the interval, Coach Thomas Joseph could afford to bring on his substitutes in the second half, even after which the boys did break free a number of times.
Thomas didn’t do gaga over the victory. “We can’t be complacent. The Championship has just started for us. We need to focus on our next match,” he maintained.
India next play Bahrain on Monday, October 3. The kick-off is slated for 4pm (IST: 4.30pm).
The other match of the day between Bahrain and Tajikistan ended in a 2-2 draw.
INDIA: Supratim Bhattacharjee; Myron Mendes, Suman Saha (Nabin Rabha – 81st), Sajid Dhot, Sarthak Golui; Nitin Jyal (Lalrammuana — 51st), Raja Rawat, Hermanjot Singh, Lalramzuava (C); Uttam Rai, Daniel Lalhlimpuia (Vanlalduatsanga – 65th)
