Tabriz City (Iran), Sep 16 (IANS): India got off to a winning start in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U-16 qualifiers, thrashing 10-man Bahrain 5-0 in a Group E opener here on Wednesday.

Bahrain were reduced to 10 men in the 65th minute when striker Abdulla Jasim was flashed the red card following a dangerous foul at the Tabriz Yadegar-e-Emam Stadium.

For India, Aman scored a brace (19th and 47th minutes) while Gaston (15th minute), Boris (27th minute) and Suresh (75th minute) scored one apiece.

India were 3-0 up by the 27th minute and dominated throughout.

Bahrain coach Abdulsaheb Abdulnabi admitted they were “destroyed” in the 90 minutes.

“India were strong in all departments and surprised us on the field,” he commented after the match.

“I have to get my team ready for the next game against Iran,” India coach Nicolai Adam said.

“It will be a very tough game. At this age, it’s difficult to keep both feet on the ground but that’s my job."

India next play hosts Iran in their second match on September 18.