India's under-16 football team routs Dubai club 5-0 

What's the story?

Indian football is under the scanner these days with the Indian Super League (ISL) and the I-League currently underway, but what shouldn't escape the radar is the fact that the national team continues to be the top priority.

The Indian young guns proved that they need to be taken just as seriously, as the Indian under-16 national football team ran riot against Dubai outfit Shabaab Al Ahli, scoring five goals without reply. Two goals were scored by Rohit Danu and one each from Lalrokima, Lalchhanhima Sailo and Ridge Melvin Demello in a comprehensive win for the colts.

Full-Time: India U-16 5-0 Shabaab Al Ahli. Rohit Danu(2), Lalrokima, Sailo & Ridge the goal scorers for India #BackTheBlue #AsianDream pic.twitter.com/j8pF1I9iNA

— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) January 22, 2018

In case you didn't know...

The Indian youth team is currently playing in Dubai in preparation for the AFC Under-16 Championship which will be held in Malaysia later this year.

The heart of the matter

The team that routed the Dubai club is coached by Bibiano Fernandes and the under-16 boss is a firm believer that in order to take on Asia's big teams in the AFC Championship, the youngsters need to get the exposure of a foreign trip with similar conditions.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has further planned a tour to Qatar for the boys, followed by several other countries, in order to get them thoroughly prepared for the test that lies ahead this year.

What's next?

India has remained unbeaten in the AFC U-16 Championship Qualifiers and will hope to carry forward that winning momentum before the team makes its way to Malaysia when the AFC Championship get underway.

Author's take

There is no doubt that the real test for these inexperienced youngsters actually begins now. With many promising young talents in the squad, it could only be matter of time before a few of them get known at the national or even the international level.