India U-16 lose 1-2 to Oman in international friendly

The Indian U-16 football team lost 1-2 against Oman in a friendly fixture in Turkey on Monday.

Oman scored once across each half, while India captain Vikram reduced the deficit by a goal when he was awarded a penalty in the final minute of play.

They took the lead three minutes before the first-half whistle and then doubled the score again in the 55^th minute, to make it 2-0.

Those two goals forced India coach Bibiano Fernandes into making some changes in order to level terms and settle the scores, but his boys failed to breach the rigid Oman defense until the final minute of regulation time of play.

Skipper Vikram was fouled inside the penalty box with one minute of play remaining and the referee waved to the spot. The captain himself stood up and slotted the ball in to make it 1-2.

Having got a goal, India then pushed forward dedicating more men upfront to start a full-throttle attack. Oman though made most of their superiority and held on to their nerves for the victory.

Despite the defeat, India though will be pleased with their performance against a much more superior side. They battled toe-on-toe and were presented with a golden opportunity to score in the first half when Shabas found Rohit, with a gorgeous cross, but the latter failed to put the ball in.

Meanwhile, the Indian U26 team had recently finished second in the WAFF U-16 Championship after beating defending AFC U16 Champions Iraq, Jordan, and Yemen.