After a thunderous start in the AFC U16 Qualifiers, the youngsters slumped to a disappointing defeat against giants, Iran….

The India U16 team had made waves after thrashing Bahrain U16 5-0 just a couple of days back but were brought back to reality as they were trounced 0-3 by the ‘Team Melli’ youngsters.

Two goals in the first half by Sharfi (15′) and Khodamoradi (43′) followed by a second half strike by Ghaderi (57′) saw the Indians sink without reply.

Iran are ranked 40 in the world, while India are a lowly 155 and this should have been a no contest even at the Under 16 levels, yet the Nicolai Adam managed side were promising even in defeat. 

The opening ten minutes saw a boisterous Blue Tigers dominating possession and putting the Iran defense under the sword.

A brilliant through ball from Jitu found Aniket in acres of space, but the striker was unfortunately caught offside. 

However Iran scored against the run of play in the 15th minute when Sharfi turned in a free-kick from just outside the box.

Yet India kept on looking for a chance to equalise but the Team Melli defense stood strong in the face of a relentless opposition. 

However in spite of the pressure and a couple of freekicks which the Iran goalkeeper kept out, it was Iran who scored the next goal after a delightful strike from Khodamoradi that had beaten the Indian custodian all ends out, just two minutes before half time. 

India began the second half on a positive note but failed to capitlaize as a diving save kept out Aman’s shot at the Iranian goal from close range. 

In the 57th minute it got worse as Iran took full advantage of the lapse as they made it 3-0 with Ghaderi scoring a diving header. 

The Iran shot-stopper was in sublime form as he kept on thwarting India’s numerous forays on goal.

India next play Lebanon, who themselves went down 1-2 against Bahrain in their final group encounter.