Colts held by defending champs Iraq

Kathmandu, September 24 

India were held to a goalless draw by defending Asian champions Iraq in the AFC U-16 Championship Qualifiers.

India finished their engagements on five points from three matches and now wait for engagements in the other groups to finish to find out if they have made it to the Finals by virtue of being the best second-placed team across 10 groups. 

Iraq, with seven points from three matches, have already booked a ticket to the AFC U-16 Finals slated to be held next year. 

Knowing that only a victory would enable them a ticket to the AFC U-16 Finals, India started on a positive note and should have surged into the lead as early as the sixth minute but Bekey, despite sneaking in from the flank, could not get the power behind his shot and the Iraqi goalkeeper managed to save it.

The Indians played with purpose even as the Iraqis relied on their physical superiority in the midfield. 

In the 42nd minute, Vikram made another robust move but Ricky shot straight to the rival goalkeeper as both the teams headed to the interval locked goalless.

Bekey got the easiest chance of the match (60th min) when he had the rival goalkeeper at his mercy from a hand-shaking distance. But he couldn't finish it off. 

Two minutes later, Ravi flashed another cross from the left flank but it bounced out. In the 82nd minute, Harpreet, with a solo effort, barged inside the opposition citadel but the goalkeeper wasn't to be beaten. India went all out thereafter but Iraq were content in playing out a draw.  — PTI