India U-18 team defeated Felda United FC, Malaysia by a solitary goal in the FAM-Frenz Asia Champions Trophy 2015 at the Tilak Maidan here today.
In a match which could have been sealed well by the interval itself, India had to eventually wait till the 85th minute when an omnipresent Lallianzuala Chhangte got it past a diving rival Goalkeeper Amirul Rahman.
The Indian colts after three matches now stand on four points in the Championship.
Lee Johnson, the Head Coach of India U-19, said: "The win was long overdue. I want to create a winning mentality. Players need to win and kill off games. When we created opportunities, you need to be ruthless. We could have won by a much bigger margin. We need to be a bit more decisive and creative in those situations.
"I reiterate this wasn't our strongest team. We are looking at new Players, trying out different positions as we want to take our best to the AFC U-19 Qualifiers. The Players need the licence to be creative and be fearless."
The Indian U-18 boys created a series of chances but they didn't get the finish which it deserved. Chances, as many as six went abegging in the first half itself.
In the second half too, substitute Ashique Muhamed, who replaced Bidyananda Singh in the 46th minute, made an impact when he was brought down outside the box but the free-kick and the corner thereafter, didn't help break the deadlock.
The Indian colts went close in the 55th minute. Four quick passes proved too much for the rivals but an overlapping Ranawade's cross was gathered by Amirul as Daniel and Thanga were waiting to tap it in.
The very next minute, Zuala's left-footer from inside the box went awry. Similarly, at the stroke of hour, Zuala shot wide from inside the box and by this time, even the crowd failed to keep count.
Zuala hit over from exactly the penalty spot when he had just the Goalkeeper to beat and then Ashique took it to an acute angle making it easier for Amirul to close it down.
On the positive side, the colts never looked short of stamina even in the Goan humidity.
The deadlock was eventually broken by Zuala with five minutes for the final whistle. He could have added another in added time but blasted over from in front of an yawning net.
Felda United Coach Ahmad Sofian said: "We gave a tough fight to the Home Team. But the better Team won.
