Kathmandu: India were held to a goalless draw by Asian champions Iraq in their last Group D tie of the AFC U-16 Championship Qualifiers here, Sunday.
Courtesy the result, an unbeaten India finished their group campaign on five points from three matches and now wait for engagements in other groups to finish to find out if they have made it to the AFC U-16 Finals by virtue of being the best second-placed team across 10 groups.
Needing just a victory to ensure them in the finals next year, India started on a positive note. In the 42nd minute, Vikram made a robust move but Ricky shot straight to the hand of rival goalkeeper as both teams were tied goalless going into the break.
Meanwhile, Iraq who finished their engagements on seven points from three matches, have already booked a ticket to the AFC U-16 Finals slated to be held next year.
Luck wasn’t on India’s side as Bekey again failed to score at the hour mark which was perhaps the easiest chance of the day. However, two minutes later, Ravi curled in a beautiful cross from the left flank only to be bounced out. Substituted in the 76th minute, Harpreet got into the act immediately with a solo effort but failed to beat the Hamadani who stood like a wall guarding the Iraqi net.
India went all out thereafter but Iraq were more content to stabilise their defence as they increased numbers at the back. Indian players tried desperately towards the end, but the match ended in a goal less draw.
press trust of india
