India finished their engagements in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U-16 qualifiers in style with a convincing 6-0 victory over Lebanon here on Sunday.
Besides a hat-trick by Suresh (28th, 71st, 89th), Komal (77th) and Amarjit (80th) scored one apiece. The other was an own goal by Habib in the 76th minute.
India led 1-0 at the interval.
With this win, India finished second in Group E with six points from three matches. India beat Bahrain, then lost to Iran before beating Lebanon on Sunday.
India are the hosts of the AFC U-16 Championships, to be held next year, and have already qualified as the hosts.
But with their impressive performance here, India stay on course to get a direct qualification spot as the second best finisher among all groups.
India’s coach Nicolai Adam was happy with his team’s performance.
“I had said after our defeat to Iran that I did not like the performance of both the teams on that day and I stay with my opinion,” he said after the match.
“Today we saw U-16 football as it should be played — tactically and possession wise and not just long balls as it was on display in the match against Iran.
“I am extremely happy with the result and respect my boys for doing exactly what they were asked to do,” he added.
(IANS)