Dhaka: India, post defeating Pakistan in Semifinal clash, went on to correct their mistake done in Pool stage as they defeated Bangladesh 5-4 in the title clash of Under-18 Asia Cup 2016. If you see scorecard, it just got flipped over the pool stage clash’ one to decide the game in India’s favor.
It was Abhishek who should get the credit for his last minute goal which made India prevail over their neighboring country. Till into the last minute, the scorecard was tied with 4 goals to credits of the two teams. For India, Shivam Anand, Hardik Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Ibungo Singh Konjengbam and Abhishek scored apiece, while for the hosts M Roman Sarkar, Mohammad Mohsin, Mohammed Ashraful Islam & Mahabub Hossain scored a goal each.
A match which was a kind of replica of the opener, and had the excitement going all through the match as any title clash should possess, the two teams treat the fans to a thrilling nine-goal encounter with India winning in the end to be crowned Champions.
India started off quickly and patiently as it was India which earned their first PC, though the hit was wayward and to make it counted worse, Bangladesh scored off a PC just a touch later. For India, Shivam Anand scored the equalizer.
Then again, Bangladesh got a lead through Mohammed Mohsin as India missed another chance to convert penalty corner. The two teams went into half time with 2-1 score in favor of the hosts.
Coming back from break, India scored two goals in a gap of few minutes to take the lead for the first time in the match, only to allow Mohammed Ashraful Islam to equalize in the 60th minute. With scores level, Ibungo Singh Konjengbam fired India back in front, only to be again equalised, this time by Mahabub Hossain levelling in the 64th minute.
This was one final mistake and the match was all but over, but the Juniors showed tremendous calm and it was Abhishek who hit one in the box in the 69th minute to take the trophy home for the team. Hardik Singh was named the Man of the Match for his brilliance in the match, while Pankaj Kumar Rajak was named the Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament.