India entered the final of the 2024 SAFF U17 Championship after defeating Nepal 4-2 in a thrilling match at the Changlimithang Stadium here on Saturday.
After a goalless first half, India scored from Vishal Yadav (61st and 68th minutes), Rishi Singh (85th) and Hemnichung Lankim (90+5), while Subhash Bam (81st) and Mohammad Kaif (89th) scored for India. The own goal helped. Nepal will reduce the margin
India is waiting for the winner of the second semi-final between Pakistan and Bangladesh in the title match to be played on Monday.
The first half was devoid of many clear-cut chances as the teams were careful not to put too many forwards and overwhelm each other.
India’s midfielders maintained more possession of the ball but found it difficult to break Nepal’s defence.
India’s first chance came in the 12th minute, when a defensive mix-up inside the Nepal box resulted in the ball falling to MD Arbash on the left wing. Urbash took a first-timer from a tight angle and distance, seeing the goalkeeper off his line, but it flew high and wide.
In the 38th minute, a cross from Bharat Laryngham landed in an absolutely dangerous area and was sought to be put into the goal. The rapidly approaching Arbash pigeon tried in vain to bring his head near him and then Samson Ahongshangbam also followed him, but to no avail.
The best chances of the half went begging and both teams went into the break in a tight stalemate.
India took the lead in the 61st minute through a combination of smart tactical play and goal-hunting instincts. A neatly taken corner saw the ball crossed deep from the right wing towards the far post.
After a perfectly timed run, Sumit Sharma Brahmacharimayam had a close header on target by Nepal goalkeeper Pemba Narbu Bhote, which was saved.
India’s second goal was similar to the first and came after only seven minutes. A cross from the right by Karish Soram found Sumit and then, Yadav was there to make the best of the goalkeeper’s rebound.
Nepal pulled a goal back in the 81st minute, with Bam producing a clever finish.
But, four minutes later India restored a two-goal lead as substitute Ningthoukhongjam Rishi Singh, who had come onto the pitch just minutes earlier, fired a header from a corner at the near post.
Nepal got another goal in the 89th minute when Mohammad Kaif headed a corner into his own net. As anger increased, it seemed that Nepal had found a way to return, but it did not happen.
Substitute Hemnichung Lankim secured the place for his team by scoring the fourth goal for India in the fifth minute of injury time.
published – September 29, 2024 02:50 AM IST