Kuala Lumpur: India are just one win away from securing a FIFA U-17 World Cup spot to be played next Year in Peru, as they drew 0-0 against Indonesia in their Group C encounter here Thursday to enter the quarterfinals of the AFC U-16 Championship.
It is also the first time in 16 years that the Indian colts have qualified for the last eight stage. With the draw, India finished runners-up in the group, and are likely to face South Republic in the next stage.
Head coach Bibiano Fernandes termed the moment special for Indian football fans. “We have worked really hard to get where we are and we are very happy with our performance in the group stages. The boys gave their cent percent on the field and we played according to our plan,” Bibiano said.
Referring to the qualification to the quarters, Bibiano said, “This is a special moment for each and every one back home. The credit goes to all my staff, the grassroots coaches who tutored these kids at a young age, and my players for putting in the hard work day in and day out.”