AFC U16 qualifiers: India thump Bahrain 5-0 in opening game

India started its AFC U16 qualifying campaign in Iran on Wednesday, 16 September, with a thumping 5-0 win over Bahrain. The Indian team, which has already qualified for next year's AFC U16 Championship in Goa courtesy of being the hosts, pressed the Bahraini defence from the start, and took the lead in the 15th minute through a long-range effort from left-back Gaston.

Four minutes later, forward Aman doubled India's lead after chipping the ball over Bahrain's goalkeeper. In the 27th minute, India's right-back Boris made it 3-0 after a brilliant solo run from the right flank.

The Indian side continued dominating the game after the half-time breather, with Aman bagging his second goal of the game, and India's fourth, only a few minutes into the second half. Midfielder Suresh then wrapped up the game in India's favour with a goal in the 75th minute, when a defensive error from Bahrain let him through on goal.

With the win, India now lie at the top of Group E, and will next face Iran and Lebanon on 18 September and 20 September, respectively.