India colts produced a clinical performance to rout Lebanon 4-1 in their second encounter of the U-16 AFC Qualifiers at the Sabah Al-Salem Stadium in Kuwait City.
Nuruddin (9th minute), Jayananda Singh (43rd), Anirudh Thapa (61st) and Bedashwor Singh (65th) scored for India, while Lebanon could find a solitary goal through Ali Kharoubi in the 58th minute, on Wednesday.
Represented by All India Football Federation’s Regional Academy boys, India now have four points from two matches and are placed second in their group.
The U-16 boys got off to a sensational start when midfielder Nuruddin blasted a longranger from 30 yards in the 9th minute which was beyond Lebanese goalkeeper Mohamad Taha’s diving effort.
Just before the half time, Jayananda doubled India’s lead against a more physical Lebanese side when he tapped Jerry Lalrinzuala’s header into the net, going into the break on a high.
In the 58th minute, Lebanon regained a bit of momentum and got one back raising hopes of comeback. But their joy was short-lived as Anirudh increased India’s lead three minutes later.
Four minutes later, Bedashwor’s goal was enough to put the tie beyond Lebanon’s reach as India registered a convincing win over their mighty opponents.
India will play Bhutan in their next group match on September 27.
