India to lock horns against Nepal in SAFF U-15 Final

by Rounak Majumdar August 29, 2019

India and Nepal secured the top two spots of the SAFF U-15 Championship today at the Kalyani Stadium, West Bengal. India defeated Bangladesh by a massive scoreline of 4-0 and Nepal thumped Bhutan by a colossal 6-0 victory.

Bangladesh previously failed to win against Nepal and lost by a scoreline of 1-4. The Bangladeshi outfit needed a two-goal led victory today to ensure the top two spot.

The match commenced with some nervy moments on both ends at the rain-drenched Kalyani. The Indian team was revamped as coach Bibiano Fernandes made as many as 8 changes to the starting XI, from their last game against Sri Lanka. Captain and centre-back Anish Mazumder, midfielder Satvik Sharma, and striker Himanshu Jangra were the only ones to be retained in the starting XI.

Bangladesh had a good start to the game but failed to capitalize from several chances. It was India’s Isac Zomuanpuia who had the chance of the day to score the first goal. The rain gods played a spoilsport as Isac’s effort was stopped in a puddle.

However, Himanshu Jangra, the hat-trick hero from the previous outing broke the deadlock. He scored yet again for team India at 29′. His back-headed effort made from a free-kick taken by Isac Zomanpuia went past to beat the Bangladeshi keeper.

The Indian team were ahead at the first half with a solitary goal lead.

The second half commenced with India’s Himanshu showing his prowess on the field. The hat-trick hero from the previous outing scored a hat-trick once again. Himanshu netted the next two goals at 74′ and 79′. It was the deadly duo, Himanshu and Isac, who ran riot in the Bangladeshi defence. Renedy Meitei concluded with a goal at the 90th minute to ensure India’s ticket to finals.

India will face Nepal on Saturday, August 31st, at the Kalyani Stadium from 3:00 PM IST.