Can India Stay Composed Amidst Unpredictable Weather in Arunachal for SAFF U19 Semi-Finals?

Yupia (Arunachal Pradesh), May 15 (NationPress) The SAFF U19 Championship 2025 is nearing its climax following the completion of the group stage. India is set to face Maldives in the semi-final this Friday at the Golden Jubilee Stadium.

Nepal and Bangladesh will clash in the first semi-final at 15:30 on the same day.

India dominated their Group B rivals, defeating Sri Lanka (8-0) and Nepal (4-0), finishing at the top of the standings to secure a semi-final match against Maldives, who, despite being winless, managed to remain unbeaten in Group A. The island nation held Bangladesh and Bhutan to 2-2 draws in their matches.

Maldives displayed remarkable resilience, coming from behind in both games to qualify for the semi-finals. Their comeback was most notable in the first match against Bangladesh, where they were down by two goals until the 57th minute before leveling the score. In their match against Bhutan, a defeat would have eliminated them; however, they equalized in the 77th minute and took the lead during injury time. Although Bhutan managed to draw level at the last second, a point was sufficient for Maldives to progress.

"This was undoubtedly the most thrilling match of the tournament so far. Until the final second, the qualifying team was uncertain," said Maldives head coach Ahmed Shakir after the game.

India's head coach Bibiano Fernandes remarked, "Maldives have demonstrated significant character in both matches, showcasing their ability to bounce back. That tenacity indicates they can be dangerous if given space. Our approach remains consistent: we will stay focused, humble, and play to our strengths. We've thoroughly analyzed their performances, and the team is well-prepared.

"In knockout matches, there are no second chances. It’s all or nothing. Nevertheless, the players are ready, both mentally and tactically. The essential factor is to remain calm and disciplined. We treat this match like any other, with determination and the belief that if we adhere to our strategy, success will follow," added Fernandes.

If the score remains tied after 90 minutes, the match will proceed to penalties. Historically, India boasts an impeccable record against Maldives in SAFF men's age-group competitions, winning all nine previous encounters, with the latest victory being a 3-0 win in the SAFF U17 Championship 2024. Out of the squad from 2024, 10 players are part of the current U19 team.

The weather in Itanagar has been persistently rainy over the past two days. While Fernandes and his team are prepared to perform under any conditions, adapting to the local climate has proven to be a challenge for Maldives.

"The rain has been steady in recent days, but we’ve adjusted our training sessions accordingly and are prepared for any scenario. We've concentrated on recovery, tactical drills, and mental readiness indoors when necessary. Ultimately, both teams face the same conditions; it’s about who adapts better and adheres to the plan," stated Fernandes.

Shakir noted, "We started slowly in both matches, which I believe is partly due to the weather. The first game was hot, whereas it was rainy and cool in the second. This is not the typical climate we experience in Maldives.

"I commend my players for their determination to comeback in the second match. It’s coincidental that we’ve drawn 2-2 in both games. We came here with the intention of winning every match. We nearly secured victory against Bhutan but conceded a late equalizer. The semi-final will undoubtedly be a significant challenge," added the head coach of Maldives.

Fernandes emphasized the impact of the Arunachal crowd on India's flawless performance in the tournament thus far. The Blue Colts have netted 12 goals, with contributions from six different scorers, all of which have been 'assisted' by the enthusiastic and supportive fans in attendance.

"The crowd in Arunachal has been incredible. Such support is rare at the youth level, and we are genuinely thankful for it. It has provided the players with a significant boost in both matches, and we aim to carry that energy into the semi-final. This kind of atmosphere inspires young athletes and instills confidence. We hope to see even more fans at the semi-final," concluded Fernandes.