India beat Nepal 2-1 to lift SAFF U15 Championship

by Chittu Shetty August 27, 2017

After going a goal down in the first half, Indian team came from behind with two second half goal to lift the SAFF U15 trophy for the second time.

Photo Credit: @AIFF Twitter

Indian football’s domination in the South-Asian circuit continues as the Under-15 team lifts the SAFF U15 Championship beating host Nepal. This is India’s second trophy in the tournaments fourth edition, while the team has also ended up as runners-up on the two other occasions.

Despite dominating the tournament, India were in for a shock in the first half when Nepal took a one goal lead in the 40^th minute. Playing in front of a packed crowd out in support of host, Indian team came out with intent to silence them. But despite their best efforts, the goal eluded the visitors. Ravi and Harpreet came close to opening the score but failed to find the net as Nepal eventually took the lead through penalty.

India began the second half strongly as they looked for equaliser. In the 56^th minute, Givson’s free kick struck the cross bar as equaliser eluded them. However, two minutes later, Lalrokima with ball on his feet, struck a powerful shot from outside the box that beat everyone including the keeper to ruffle the net as India levelled the score.

Soon India attacked harder in search of winner; Sailo’s goal bound header was well saved by Nepal keeper, however in the 75^th minute, India’s top scorer Vikram Singh hit the net to take India in to lead. Despite Nepal’s late effort by pushing men forward in search of equaliser, Indian defence held on as the game ended at 2-1.

India lift their second SAFF U15 trophy, repeating the journey of 2013 SAFF trophy, when the Indian youngsters defeated Nepal 1-0 in their own backyard to lift the trophy in a similar fashion.

Final Score: Nepal 1 (Brijesh Chaudary 40’) – 2 India (Lalrokima 58’, Vikram Pratap Singh 75’)

Also Read: India emerge Champions of Hero Tri-Nation series 2017

Top Scorer:

Foysal Ahmed (Bangladesh) – 6 Goals

Vikram Pratap Singh (India) – 5 Goals

Player of the Tournament:

Vikram Pratap Singh (India)

Fair Play award:

Bangladesh

Final Standings

Champions: INDIA

Runners-up: NEPAL

Third Place: BANGLADESH