Ruthless India sweep past Nepal to top SAFF U19 Group B

by Chittu Shetty May 14, 2025

India U19 side delivered a commanding performance, dismantling Nepal 4-0 to secure the top spot in Group B of the SAFF U19 Championship.

With a brace from the in-form Rohen Singh Chaphamayum and goals from local favorite Omang Dodum and the influential Danny Meitei, the hosts finished their group stage campaign with a perfect record and an impressive +12 goal difference.

Despite both nations already securing their places in the semi-finals, the opening exchanges were energetic, suggesting neither side was willing to concede the top spot. However, once the floodgates opened in the 28th minute, India asserted their authority. A well-directed cross from Malemngamba Singh on the left flank found Rohen Singh, who slotted home the opener. Just a minute later, the dynamic Danny Meitei turned provider, playing a through ball to Omang Dodum, who displayed excellent footwork before calmly side-footing his shot into the top corner, sending the home crowd into raptures.

The second half saw India maintain their dominance, with the attacking trio of Omang, Danny, and Prashan consistently troubling the Nepalese defense. The third goal arrived in the 76th minute when Prashan Jajo’s low cut-back found Danny, whose initial shot was saved, only for the alert Rohen to volley in the rebound for his second of the match. Danny, who had been a constant threat throughout, finally got his deserved goal in the 84th minute. After Nepal goalkeeper Bhakta Bahadur Pariyar parried a long-range effort from captain Singamayum Shami, Danny was quick to react, poking in the loose ball to complete the comprehensive victory.  

With this emphatic win, India will now face Group A runners-up Maldives in the semi-finals on Friday, May 16th at 7:30 PM IST. Meanwhile, Nepal will face Group A winners Bangladesh in the earlier semi-final at 3:30 PM IST.

FT: India (Rohen Singh 28’, 76’, Omang Dodum 29’, Danny Meitei 84’) 4 – 0 Nepal

Despite a winless run in the earlier Group A encounter, the Maldives secured their place in the semi-finals after a dramatic 2-2 draw with Bhutan. Lham Tenzin put Bhutan ahead in the 44th minute, but Aidh Mohamed Jaweez equalized for the Maldives in the 75th minute. Ashham Ibrahim Mohamed looked to have snatched a late win for Maldives in the 90+3rd minute, but Chogyel S. Sherab’s even later equalizer for Bhutan ultimately proved inconsequential for their qualification hopes, as Maldives advanced as group runners-up behind Bangladesh.

FT: Maldives (Aidh Mohamed Jaweez 75′, Ashham Ibrahim Mohamed 90+3′) 2 – 2 Bhutan (Lham Tenzin 44′, Chogyel S. Sherab 90+6)

Picture Credit – AIFF Media

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