SOJC 2017: Indian Junior team win Bronze
Johor Bahru, Malaysia, 29 October 2017: Defending champions India had to be contend with a consolation bronze in the 7th Sultan of Johor Cup which came to an end on Sunday. India however, frustrated the hosts Malaysia when it struck four unanswered goal for its Bronze. Soon after the match chief coach Jude Felix flew back to Bangalore, his hometown to see his critically ill mother.
Goals for India came from Vishal Antil (15’, 25’), Vivek Prasad (11’) and Shilanand Lakra (21’).
India had earlier finished third in the points table with 9 points after winning three and losing two of the round robin matches.
The team started the match on a bright note as they attacked the Malaysian defense in the initial stages of the first quarter.In the 11th minute captain Vivek Prasad scored when Maninder Singh provided him with the assist from the right flank.
India extended their lead four minutes later when a precise long pass from Dilpreet Singh was picked up by Shilanand Lakra inside the circle, and the forward made a turn and passed the ball to Vishal Antil who then scored to make it 2-0 in India’ favour at the end of first quarter.
The second quarter had a similar story with a third goal from Shilanand Lakra, who tapped in a pass by captain Vivek Prasad in the 21st minute.
India struck again in the 25th minute when Dilpreet Singh got his second assist of the match as he found Vishal Antil inside the circle with a calculated through ball, which was put into the back of the net by the latter to give their team an impressive 4-0 lead going into half-time.
Malaysia had to step up in the last two quarters if they were to make a comeback into the match, but India’s defence was resolute and did not allow the hosts to get a route back into the match.
India’s goalkeeper Senthamizh Shankar was in fine form as he made several saves to deny the Malaysians.
The match ended with a 4-0 win in favour of Indian junior team.