A new beginning for Indian football

The infectious chants of “ho – ho – ho” echoed around the team bus as it started from the Transportation Institute Stadium, finally forcing even the driver to join in. The faces of the U-19 Indian soccer team inside the bus were resplendent with smiles of relief and joy – they had just created history by coming from behind to thrash Tajikistan. 4-1 and qualifying for the U-16 AFC Final Phase.

After conceding the first goal Indian boys became ruthless later on and they trounced Tajikistan. Lalramzuava equalised off a direct free-kick while Uttam Rai tapped in after Daniel had got past two defenders to leave the score 2-1 at the interval.

Changing over, first stopper Sarthak Golui headed in Raja Rawat’s free-kick and when everyone was waiting for the Final Whistle, Daniel completed the rout. After all, nothing is over till the referee blows it. India finished on 9 points from 4 matches.

Congratulations came pouring. The President of the All India Football Federation, Mr. Praful Patel congratulated the boys. Mr. Kushal Das, the General Secretary of the AIFF also lauded the team. Coach Thomas Joseph attributed the victory to “team effort.”


AIFF is very optimistic that their current initiative with FIFA for setting up Regional and Elite Academies will go a long way in taking Indian Football to the next level.

‘India deserves to be in the Final Phase,’ stayed the common sentiment among those present. The boys in the dressing room had gone berserk by then. Seeded last in the five-team Group, they overcame all to qualify for the Final Phase next year – the venue for which is yet to be finalised.

The squad leaves Tashkent on October 8 at 11.10pm on Saturday and lands at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi on October 9 at 2am.

In the meanwhile, the All India Football Federation had announced a cash prize of R$s. 25000 for all the members of the squad. This includes the players, the coach and all other support staff.