Margao, Sept 16: India began their campaign in the AFC U-16 football championships on a disappointing note as they lost to United Arab Emirates 2-3 at the Nehru Stadium here on Thursday.
The loss will put India in a difficult position to qualify from Group A as they face former champions Iran and Saudi Arabia in later fixtures. The top two in each group qualify for the quarterfinal stage.
India scored through Sanjeev Stalin (12th minute) and Boris Singh Thangjam (36th).
But UAE fought back twice to restore parity through Manea Aydh (35th) and Majid Rashid (53rd) before substitute Ahmad Fawzi scored the winner in the 74th minute.
In the other Group A of the day, Iran rallied to beat Saudi Arabia 3-2.
India started positively as they made inroads at the opposition citadel in the first half with repeated forays and took the lead in the 12th minute.
Following a free kick, defender Aydh handled the ball off a Komal Thatal cross outside the box.
Stalin curled the ball to the far post to find the roof of the net. India continued to control the proceeding as they had more of the ball possession and came close to increase the lead in the 25th minute but Komal Thatal’s try was saved by rival keeper.
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