India U-17s football team thrashes Botswana

A double hat-trick by Abhijit Sarkar helped the Indian Under-17 World Cup squad thrash the Botswana team 10-1 in an international friendly football game.

Komal

hit a brace while Suresh and Sanjeev netted once each on Sunday for the Indian colts who are on an exposure trip to South Africa, the All Indian Football Federation said.

The Indians could have taken the lead as early as in the fourth minute had Boris's shot not rattled the bar following a quick interchange of passes around Botswana's 18-yard box.

But they tasted success four minutes later when Komal capitalised on an Amarjit pass and fired home to give India the lead.

Komal doubled the lead in the 10th minute when he tapped home a low cross from Sanjeev.

Botswana then went on the defensive but could not deny the tourists longer Sarkar scored his first goal in the 20th minute to make it 3-0.

Sarkar beat the Botswana defense again in their penalty box to get his second goal and made it a hat-trick in the 37th minute as he cleverly finished his chance to make it 5-0.

Botswana pulled one back just before half-time.

Sarkar continued from where he left when play resumed as he struck his fourth goal in the 57th minute.
Four minute later, Sarkar once again punished the opposition's defence for uncanny play and scored to make it 7-1 for India.

Two back to back goals in the 70th and 71st minute, by Abhijit Sarkar and Suresh respectively, inflicted more misery on Botswana as the scoreline read 9-1 in India's favour.

Seven minutes later, Sanjeev volleyed home to make it 10-1