India began their campaign AFC U-16 football championships campaign on a disappointing note, losing 2-3 to United Arab Emirates at the Nehru Stadium in Margao on Thursday.

The loss will put India in a difficult position to qualify from Group A as they face former champions Iran and Saudi Arabia in later fixtures.

The top two in each group qualify for the quarter-final stage.

India scored through Sanjeev Stalin (12th minute) and Boris Singh Thangjam (36th).

But UAE fought back twice to restore parity through Manea Aydh (35th) and Majid Rashid (53rd) before substitute Ahmad Fawzi scored the winner in the 74th minute.

In the other Group A of the day, Iran rally to beat Saudi Arabia 3-2.

Image: Action from the AFC U-16 match between India and UAE  in Margao on Thursday

[source;rediff.com]