How Did India Secure the Top Position in Group B of the SAFF U19 Championship?

Yupia, May 13 (NationPress) India clinched the top position in Group B of the SAFF U19 Championship with a decisive 4-0 triumph over Nepal at the Golden Jubilee Stadium on Tuesday. The home team netted two goals in each half.

Rohen Singh Chaphamayum (28’, 76’) scored a brace, complemented by local talent Omang Dodum (29’) and Danny Meitei (84’) who each contributed a goal. With this victory, India completed Group B with a flawless six points from two matches, boasting a goal difference of 12. Nepal secured second place with three points from their two games.

The hosts are set to face Maldives, the runners-up from Group A, on Friday, May 16, while Group A leaders Bangladesh will compete against Nepal at 3:30 PM IST in the semi-finals that same day.

Both teams had already confirmed their advancement to the semi-finals, but the match began with a high intensity. Neither team seemed willing to yield in their quest for the group’s top spot. Once India found the net, they quickly took control.

A cross from the left side by Malemngamba Singh was deflected off a few heads before falling perfectly for Rohen, who skillfully slid it past Nepal's goalkeeper Bhakta Bahadur Pariyar in the 28th minute.

Just a minute later, Omang increased the lead after being set up by Danny, showcasing his agility to place it into the top corner.

With a two-goal cushion, India’s confidence soared, allowing them to dominate the match against Nepal.

After halftime, India continued on the offensive, with a strong combination of Omang, Danny, and Prashan challenging the Nepalese defense.

They netted a third goal with less than 15 minutes remaining in regulation time when Prashan Jajo delivered a low cut-back to Danny. Although his initial shot was saved by Pariyar, Rohen was present to volley in the rebound.

Danny, who was pivotal throughout the match, finally found the net himself after a long-range attempt by India’s captain Singamayum Shami was parried by Pariyar. The playmaker, who had previously scored a hat-trick against Sri Lanka, cleverly tapped in the rebound.

India U19: Aheibam Suraj Singh (GK), Jodric Abranches, Sumit Sharma Brahmacharimayum, Singamayum Shami (C), Omang Dodum (Hemneichung Lunkim 67’), Md Arbash (Rishi Singh 67’), Chaphamayum Rohen Singh, Malemngamba Singh Thokchom (Roshan Singh Thangjam 46’), Danny Meitei Laishram (Ningthoukhongjam Rishi Singh 59’), Sohum Utreja, Prashan Jajo (Yohaan Benjamin 81’).

This result also saw Maldives finish second with two points from their two matches.

In another match, Bhutan's Lham Tenzin (44') opened the scoring, but Aidh Mohamed Jaweez (75') equalized. Ashham Ibrahim Mohamed (90+3') scored in injury time to put Maldives ahead, but Chogyel S. Sherab managed to draw Bhutan level in the final moments. However, the equalizer did not benefit Bhutan, as Maldives secured their place in the semi-finals.