India taste victory at last, beat Afghanistan 4-1

Out of contention for a next round berth, India scored a consolation 4-1 win over Afghanistan in their AFC Under-19 Championship qualifiers Group C match at Arbil, Iraq.

Out of contention for a next round berth, India scored a consolation 4-1 win over Afghanistan in their AFC Under-19 Championship qualifiers Group C match at Arbil, Iraq.

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India had lost to Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Oman in their earlier group matches. They play Kuwait in their last group match on November 15.

Interestingly, India, who squandered their lead in the last two matches, were trailing 0-1 at the half time before making a strong comeback in the second session at the Francouse Hareeri Stadium last night.

Malsawmfela (48th and 72nd) and Jeje Lalpeklua (60th and 80th) scored for India.

The first half was dominated by India but it was Afghanistan who scored in the 20th minute against the run of play from the only good move they made in the first half. Mohammed Rahimi headed home a cross by Ghulam Niazi from the right flank.

India continued to put pressure on the Afghans but Jeje's attempt in the 21st minute and Lalrindika's effort in the 30th hit the woodwork.

India got the equaliser three minutes after resumption.