AAI teams shine at Indo-Thai Invitational Youth Cup

 

 

AAI Foundation Football Club’s teams, representing India, delivered commendable performances at the Indo-Thai Invitational Youth Cup, held at KK Stadium in Pattaya, Thailand. Young talents from India competed fiercely in the Under-14, Under-17, and Under-19 categories against strong sides from Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos showcasing grit, skill, and national pride. In Under-14 category, India kicked off with a solid 1–0 win over Bangkok with Kaushik scoring the decisive goal, followed by a narrow 2–1 loss to Vietnam with Akshit on the scoresheet. They bounced back emphatically with a 3–2 thriller against Cambodia with goals by Harshal, Prince and Neehal to secure semi-final berth.

 

Akshit’s goal over Pattaya propelled them to the final. They fell short by a slim margin against Phuket to finish as runners-up. The U-17 team opened against Phuket before securing a 2–1 with comeback win over Myanmar through goals by Aaditya and Priyanshu and a convincing 2–0 triumph over Laos with Hashir and Farhan scoring to reach the semi-finals. In a tense semi-final versus Vietnam, India drew 1–1 with Farhan finding back of the nets and forced penalties. After a 3–3 deadlock with successful penalty kicks by Aaditya, Priyanshu and Hashir, sudden death saw Farhan’s effort brilliantly saved by the Vietnamese goalkeeper, ending India’s run just short of the final. In U-19, India showed resilience with a 1–1 draw against Pattaya by goal by Aryan but suffered a 2–0 defeat to Phuket thus missing out on knock-outs. The experience gained against quality international opposition will prove invaluable for their development. AAI Foundation Football Club hailed the players’ professionalism and resilience.