Thimphu (Bhutan): India continued their winning streak in the SAFF U17 championship when they defeated the Maldives 3-0 in the second and final Group A match at the Changlimithang Stadium here on Tuesday night.
The winners led 1-0 at the breather.
Having already qualified for the semi-finals after the 1-0 victory over Bangladesh in the three-team group, India emerged the group A winners with six points, while Bangladesh made the last four from this group as the runners-up.
India will now face Group B’s runners-up (Bhutan, Pakistan, or Nepal) in the first semi-final on September 28.
Samson Ahongshangbam opened the scoring for India in the first half with a spectacular diving header, perfectly connecting a cross by Manbhakupar Malngiang from the right flank.
In the second half, substitute Hemneichung Lunkim doubled India’s lead in the 74th minute, finishing decisively after Maldives custodian Hassan Nasir fumbled to collect Azlaan Shah’s shot.
Lunkim turned out to be the star of the day as he scored his second goal with a fine long-ranger in the 89th minute that crashed against the net in the top-corner.
As part of his plan to rotate players, the Blue Colts’ head coach Ishfaq Ahmed made three changes from the starting eleven that played against Bangladesh and brought in Karish Soram, Rishi Singh, and Malngiang.
In the second half, the coach made key substitutions that ultimately proved decisive, leading India to victory.
After India took the lead in the 14th minute through Samson, the Maldives sought to mount a response, but the Blue Colts had been in control of possession, consistently sending long balls from their half to keep their forward line engaged and active.
Yet, India couldn’t increase their tally till the 74th minute. While Ahmed’s boys had control over the proceedings, the Maldives had a lot at stake. They were desperate to keep the margin of defeat to a bare minimum margin, as it would have kept alive their hopes of making the semi-finals. But the second goal against them shattered their plan and paved the way for Bangladesh’s entry into the last four.
But then, India attacked in waves in the first half. The Blue Colts were also doing well with the set pieces. In the 22nd minute, India earned a free kick, but Mohammed Arbash’s curling shot was not exactly on target.
In the 31st minute, another free kick for India saw Arbash attempt a back-heel in the box, but his effort lacked power, allowing the Maldivian keeper to collect the ball easily.
In the second half, India created numerous opportunities to extend their lead. However, the Maldivian defence remained resolute, successfully fending off each attempt.
The second goal came in the 74th minute when substitute Azlaan Shah delivered a pinpoint cross from the left. Maldives goalkeeper Hassan, came forward to collect the ball, but it slipped through his hands.
Lunkim capitalised on the error, swiftly slotting the ball into the net. Lunkim beat the rival goalkeeper once again, but this time it was a brilliant long-ranger that left Nasir with very little chance to react to the situation.
India U17: Aheibam Suraj Singh (GK); Karish Soram, Brahmacharimayum Sumit Sharma, Mohammed Kaif (C), Yaipharemba Chingakham (Hemneichung Lunkim 71’), Md Arbash, Ningthoukhongjam Rishi Singh, Levis Zangminlun (Thoungamba Singh Usham 90’), Ahongshangbam Samson (Mahmad Sami 90’), Bharat Lairenjam (Azlaan Shah Kh 71’), Manbhakupar Malngiang (Banlamkupar Rynjah 81’).
