AFC U-16 Championship: India and Indonesia play out nervy draw to progress to the quarter-final

KICK OFF:

Both sides failed to convert chances but a draw was enough to see India through to the knockouts for the second time in their AFC U-16 history...

It was a match full of nerve-racking moments as India managed to hold onto a 0-0 draw against Indonesia in their final Group C match at the 2018 AFC U-16 Championship in Malaysia on Thursday. The result allowed both teams to progress into the quarter-final.

Indonesia had the upper hand for most of the game as they dominated possession and tried to carve open the Indian defence. As seen in the goalless draw against Iran, the defenders stood tall and barricaded to keep the scores level.

The Red and Whites almost paid the price for wasting two easy chances in front of goal in the 19th minute when Ricky Shabong's strong effort was kept out by the keeper's legs a minute later.

Although Indonesia were dominant, India did get opportunities to take the lead. However, the concerns from the last two matches persisted as the Blue colts failed to convert chances.

As the Indian forwards kept spurning chances towards the end of the match, their backline fought hard to keep their knockout hopes alive. With both teams needing only a draw to qualify, Indonesia took their feet off the gas. 

As the game moved closer to a conclusion, both Ridge Demello and Ricky Shabong missed sitters. Indonesia weren't much better with their final ball either, allowing India to hold on for another goalless draw.

India qualified as the second-placed team from Group C behind Indonesia and are set to face the winners of Group D, South Korea, in the quarter-final on October 1. 

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