India defeated China 2-1 to book
a place in the semi finals of the 7th Junior Asia Cup in Malacca,
Malaysia this evening.
But they have to play a waiting
game to see if they finish on the top of Group B and avoid hosts Malaysia in
the last four.
For that to happen India has to
pray that Pakistan fail to overcome Sri Lanka by a 12 goal margin.
India opened scoring in the 20th
minute through Antil Naveen. But they wasted numerous chance to further
consolidate the lead.
China were on level terms in the
47th minute as Yu Xin dived at full stretch to steer the ball past
Indian custodian Tirkey Sushant.
But any chances of an upset were
dispelled in the 57th minute when Amit Rohidass converted a penalty
corner.
“The effects of the Pakistan
match was felt today and the players did not play to their true potential as a
result,” said Indian coach Baljit Singh Saini.
“Now we have to wait and see who
we play in the semis. Malaysia is the better side and obviously we want to
avoid them.”
