India go down fighting against Uzbekistan in AFC U-16 football

The Indians gave a spirited fight against the Central Asian country, who finished runners-up in the 2010 edition, coming back twice from a goal down though they eventually conceded a late goal to lose the match.

Odilov Mukhiddin (eighth minute), Abdullaev Ibrokhim (53rd) and Abdiganiyev Ilhomjon (80th) scored for Uzbekistan while Uttam Rai struck twice in the 47th and 71st minutes.

Uzbekistan's second goal came from the spot kick as a mistimed tackle by Mohammed Sajid gave away the penalty to the Central Asians and Ibrokhim Abduallev converted it.

Rai's two perfectly taken headers raised hopes of at least a draw in the Group D match but the Uzbeks had the last laugh after second half substitute Abdiganiyev scored the decisive goal 10 minutes from time.

Uzbekistan, who defeated the Indians 9-0 in the qualifiers of this tournament, dictated the pace of the match in the beginning and were duly rewarded with the lead in the eighth minute. Forward Mukhiddin Odilov sneaked in to gather a pass from Izzatilla Abdullaev and rounded off Indian goalie Supratim Bhattacharjee who had a brilliant match under the bar.

The Indian defenders and Bhattacharjee combined to stop the Uzbeks add more goals in the first half. India made their occasional moves count and Rai scored a poacher's header off the freekick of Alen Deory to make it 1-1 two minutes into the second half. MORE