India Faces Defeat Against Honduras in FIFA U15 World Cup
Match Summary
File image of the U-15 Indian Football team(Photo: @RevSportzGlobal/X)
Baku, Oct 28: In a closely contested match, India was defeated 1-2 by Honduras during the Round of 32 in Tier C of the FIFA U15 World Cup at the Hovsan Competition Complex on Wednesday.
The Honduran team took the lead with a goal from Danio Flores in the 18th minute, maintaining their advantage until halftime. India managed to equalize in the second half thanks to Ronandev Aheibam's goal in the 31st minute, but Honduras quickly responded with Alejandro Amaya scoring in the 36th minute to regain the lead.
As the tournament progresses, India will now compete in the Round of 16 of the lower bracket, aiming for positions 81 to 96. Their next match is against Trinidad and Tobago, who lost 2-4 to France earlier in the day.
Both teams had moments of possession in the first half, but Honduras effectively disrupted India's build-up play with a high press. India created two significant chances through Ronandev Aheibam and Nara Meitei Loushambam, but neither could find the back of the net.
Honduras struck first when a misplayed pass from Indian goalkeeper Jenit Ningthoujam allowed Flores to intercept and score. Following this, Honduras maintained pressure on India's defense, with Jeffrey Lara nearly extending their lead.
India's breakthrough came in the 31st minute when R Lalremruatfela set up Ronandev, who executed a cross-turned shot into the top corner, leveling the score. However, India could not capitalize on their momentum, and Honduras took the lead again in the 37th minute after a defensive mishap allowed Amaya to score from close range.
In a last-ditch effort to equalize, Nara's long-range shot hit the crossbar in the dying moments of the match, sealing India's fate.