A valiant Indian team went down fighting 1-0 against South Korea in the quarterfinals of the AFC under-16 football Championship here on Monday. Jeong Sangbin scored the winner in the 67th minute.
In the 14th minute, Niraj Kumar made an excellent save to deny South Korea from close range. He then made two back-to-back saves in the 34th and 36th minutes to keep India in play as his dives saw the Korean shots from distance thwarted.
In the dying moments of the first half, Ravi Rana’s shot from distance forced the Korean custodian to make a decent save as both teams went into the break 0-0.
Changing over, India emerged with much vigour and almost caught the Korean defence napping in the 52nd minute when Ridge De’Mello’s first-time volley earned a decent save after Vikram had found him just inches outside the box.
In the 64th minute, Niraj again made a fantastic diving save to deny the Koreans from close range. After 337 minutes without conceding a goal, the Indian defence finally gave way in the 67th minute when Jeong Sangbin tapped from close range after Niraj Kumar had palmed a thunderous shot.
Spurred to find the equaliser, the Indian colts initiated attacks of their own but the Korean defence line held firm.
