Dammam: India battled once morest strong Saudi Arabia in the U-17 Asia Cup qualifying round. In the match held at the Amir Mohammad Bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam, India fought hard till the last minute and surrendered by two goals to one.
Both the teams won a hat-trick and put up a great fight to excite the spectators. In the beginning of the match, both teams had many chances but only goals were not scored. In the 21st minute of the game, Saudi’s number nine player Talal Haji scored the first goal by taking advantage of the confusion in the Indian defense line with a brilliant shot.
Indian attempts to fight back were often futile in the face of Saudi defence. India had a great chance in the 41st minute but might not convert it into a goal. In the 57th minute, Saudi increased the lead through a penalty. Talal Haji took the kick.
India tried hard to fight back but to no avail. The Indian team constantly challenged the Saudi post. In the 86th minute, Indian striker Tanglal Saun Gangte scored India’s consolation goal. There were shouts of ‘India, India’ in the gallery. India had wins once morest Myanmar, Kuwait and Maldives.
Spectators at the stadium Photo: Mujeeb Kalam
Along with Saudi Arabia, India also qualified for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup. Football lovers praised the Indian team’s performance without testing substitutes during the game. She also highlighted the excellent sportsmanship of the Indian team in adverse weather conditions. Indian diaspora families in Dammam might watch the match as women were allowed into the stadium. Many came to play with their families.
The Indian players left the stadium under the leadership of captain Vanlalpeka Gait and greeted the Indian diaspora who had given great support since the beginning of the game. The Indians occupied the stadium hours before the start of the match. The authorities found it difficult to control the crowd.
The Saudi football loving expatriates left the stadium sharing the joy of seeing the Indian team’s excellent match.