India colts held to goalless draw by defending champs Iraq in AFC U16

KATHMANDU: India were held to a goalless draw by defending Asian champions Iraq in the AF CU -16 Championship Qualifiers on Sunday.

Courtesy the result, an unbeaten India finished their engagements on five points from three matches and now wait for engagements in other groups to finish across other venues to find out if they have made it to the AFC U-16 Finals by virtue of being the best second-placed team across 10 groups.

Meanwhile, Iraq who finished their engagements on 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 itself but the Iraqi goalkeeper was up to task.

India played with more purpose even as the Iraqis had physical superiority in the midfield. However they couldn’t get the all-important goal as Iraq defended well towards the end.