India Clinch SAFF U-17 Championship
Defending champions down Nepal 4-0 in the all-important final
Captain Vanlalpeka Guite, Boby Singh, Korou Singh, and Aman scored a goal each as India beat Nepal 4-0 to win the SAFF U-17 Championship title, in Colombo on Wednesday. With this win, India keeps the title. Nepal played with ten men and one of their players was shown a red card. Earlier, in the group clash, Nepal downed India 3-1. This win is sweet revenge for Guite’s men as they leave Lanka with smiles.
Congratulations team India on securing the SAFF under-17 Championship title defeating Nepal 4-0.#IndianFootball #SAFFU17 pic.twitter.com/2B7oQN7b2r
— MyGov Manipur (@manipurmygov) September 15, 2022
India looked a determined side from the word go. They got off the blocks early and got the lead in the 18th minute through Boby, who netted it into the goal with a header at the far post. Meanwhile, 12 minutes later, Quite got another assist to his name, passing the ball to Korou Singh, who just had to round the keeper and score it.
After the second goal, Nepal started some counterattacking measures, but the Indian midfield remain strong and blocked their attempts. In the 39th minute, Nepal captain Prashant Laksawm elbowed Danny Laishram on the back, resulting in a red card.
India in attack mode
India continued to keep the defense strong and maintained the lead until the end of the first half. The impressive Guite, who earlier provided two assists, netted a goal of his own in the 63rd minute, as his cross from the left swerved into the top corner.
India clinch SAFF under-17 Championship title defeating Nepal 4-0 in final in Colombo. #SAFFU17
Boby Singh, Korou Singh, captain Vanlalpeka Guite, & Aman score goal each, to shape resounding victory in India's favour. With this win, India retains the title. #IndianFootball ⚽ pic.twitter.com/pc0gosSAuV
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) September 15, 2022
Meanwhile, Nepal’s second-half substitute, Dhan Singh, created a couple of chances in the closing minutes. However, India could thwart those efforts with the one-man advantage. At the other end, India added their fourth goal in injury time, as second-half substitute Aman went past Nepal’s defence to score in style.
Indian captain Vanlalpeka Guite was named the Most Valuable Player, while goalkeeper Sahil won the Best Goal Keeper Award. “I am extremely proud of my boys. There has been a lot of hard work put in, and every support staff, and player deserves equal credit,” said head coach Bibiano Fernandes.