THIMPHU, BHUTAN, SEPT 24: India continued their dominance in the SAFF U17 Championships, defeating Maldives 3-0 in their second and final Group A match at the Changlimithang Stadium on Tuesday. The win solidified India’s spot as group winners with six points, having already qualified for the semifinals following their earlier 1-0 victory over Bangladesh.
Samson Ahongshangbam opened the scoring for India in the 14th minute with a diving header, perfectly connecting a cross from Manbhakupar Malngiang on the right wing. In the second half, substitute Hemneichung Lunkim emerged as the star of the match, netting twice to secure the win. Lunkim scored his first goal in the 74th minute, capitalizing on a fumble by Maldives goalkeeper Hassan Nasir. He then sealed India’s victory with a stunning long-range strike in the 89th minute.
India’s head coach Ishfaq Ahmed made three changes to the starting lineup from their previous game against Bangladesh, bringing in Karish Soram, Rishi Singh, and Malngiang as part of a player rotation strategy.
With this victory, India advances to the semifinals, where they will face the runners-up from Group B (Bhutan, Pakistan, or Nepal) on September 28. Bangladesh, as the runners-up in Group A, also secured a spot in the last four. – (PTI)
