AIFF XI pump in half a dozen past Home United, Singapore

BARASAT: A World Cup-inspired AIFF XI recorded their first win in style as they handed Home United, Singapore a 6-1 humiliation in a Group A match of the Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) here at the floodlit Barasat Stadium on Saturday (June 21, 2014).


A flurry of first-half goals from Prosenjit Chakraborty, Krishna Pandit, Amey Ranawade, Kishan Singh and a brace from Edmund Lalrindika either side of half-time helped the India U-16 colts romp home in style. Courtesy the victory, AIFF XI, represented by Kalyani Regional Academy boys move to 5 points from as many matches.


It took just ten minutes for the hosts to break the deadlock. A wonderful lofted ball from Amey Ranawade found Krishna Pandit in the clear who was tripped inside the box by his marker. Referee Bazrul Zainul had no hesitation in pointing towards the spot and Prosenjit stepped up to net his fourth successful penalty from two matches. The visiting Goalkeeper did get a faint touch but wasn’t able to keep it at bay.


Two minutes later Edmund’s close range effort fizzed across the goal. Knowing this was a chance he should converted, a guilty Edmund frowned, but moments later he was all smiles.


Prosenjit was in the thick of things again, shooting from just outside the box which the keeper could just parry out but only as far as the lurking Edmund who rose higher than the recovering Goalkeeper to nod home.


The third goal came three minutes later. This time Krishna was on target, firing in an angular grounder after the tireless Anirudh Thapa found him in the clear following an one-two between the duo. It was surely raining goals at the Barasat Stadium.


In the 41st minute, Amey got his reward for his industry down the right flank after the rival defender deflected his shot into his own net.


However, the visitors pegged one back with substitute Muhammad Shamizie bundling one in at the stroke of half-time as AIFF XI enjoyed a 4-1 lead at the interval.


Changing over, Home United packed their rearguard with more numbers to avoid further humiliation and catch the hosts on the counter. But it didn’t serve much purpose – AIFF XI scoring two more in the last 45 minutes.


Edmund notched his second of the night turning in neatly at the far post off a delectable delivery by Prosenjit from the left in the 73rd minute and then, Kishan Singh scored off his first touch in injury time much to the delight of his teammates.


AIFF XI: Dheeraj Singh, Amey Ranawade (Deependra Singh Negi – 80th), Amit Tudu, Jayananda Singh, Jerry Lalrinzuala (Vineeth – 90th), Anirudh Thapa (Keke – 90th), Prosenjit Chakraborty, Aaron Rodrigues, Edmund Lalrindika (Bodo – 90th) , Krishna Pandit (Krishna Pandit – 90th), Bedashwor Singh.