India U-16 football team concede 1-0 defeat to China

The Indian U-16 football national team suffered a 0-1 loss against the Chinese U-17 national team in the four-nation international tournament on Tuesday.

Hosts China came out strong in the early minutes of the match, but the Indian defence line held them at bay. Goalkeeper Biaka made two crucial saves in the 16th and 17th minute to keep India in the match.

The Indian colts gradually found their footing in the match and in the 30th minute almost took the lead when Ridge De'Mello's rasping shot hit the woodwork and went out. In the 40th minute, Vikram's shot from range missed the target as the Colts pressed to secure advantage.

However, it were the hosts who took the lead in the 42nd minute and held onto it for the half as the half-time scoreline read 1-0 in China's favour.

Playing against older opponents had little effect on the Indian colts and Bibiano Fernandes's boys got back into attacking mode immediately. Ridge De'Mello proved to be a constant threat for the Chinese defence line and his shot tested the opponent custodian early in the second half.

In the 63rd minute, Rohit Danu was provided with an opportunity to level proceedings but the forward failed to tap home. Two minutes later, opponents China hit the woodwork from distance to remind the young Colts of danger. Givson in the 67th minute had his shot saved by the Chinese custodian as the Indian U-16s pressed for the equalizer.

The Indian team will now face Thailand and DPR Korea on July 5 and 7 respectively in the Four-Nation International Tournament.