India U-16 lose second football friendly

Dubai  :  The Indian team, presently training here for the final phase of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U-16 Tournament later this month, lost 2-1 to the UAE in a friendly match at the UAE FA Stadium here.

India, coached by Colm Toal Joseph, came back brilliantly after being a goal down in the 16th minute of the match when their opponents scored from the spot here Tuesday. Daniel Lalhlimpuia equalised in the 28th minute.

But UAE found the back of the net in the 36th minute to gain upper hand one more time. An eventful first half was followed by a goalless second half.

The Indian team will again play UAE in the third and last friendly slated for Fridaybefore heading into the tournament that kicks-off from September 22. India have been clubbed in Group D with Uzbekistan, Syria and China. India open campaign againt Uzbekistan, September 23.