India head into the semi-final as Group B toppers after an impressive run that included a dominant 3-0 win over Pakistan and a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Bangladesh. The team showed composure and maturity in both matches, handling pressure well and maintaining control in key phases.

The squad has made the most of the short break between matches, focusing on recovery and preparation. A relaxed team outing helped boost morale, while training sessions have reflected renewed energy and sharpness as the players gear up for the challenge ahead. Head coach Mahesh Gawali has been encouraged by the team’s performances so far, particularly their attitude and resilience.

Despite the positive start, India are aware that the semi-final will demand a higher level of execution. Converting chances and maintaining defensive concentration will be key areas of focus, especially in a knockout fixture where fine margins can decide the outcome.

Bhutan, meanwhile, arrive with confidence after a determined group-stage campaign. After an early setback, they showed resilience to secure qualification, including a dramatic late winner against Sri Lanka. Their ability to stay competitive until the final moments makes them a dangerous opponent.

The attacking battle could play a crucial role, with India’s Vishal Yadav and Omang Dodum leading the charge, while Bhutan will rely on Dhendup Gyeltshen for goals. With no extra time in the semi-final, the possibility of a penalty shootout adds another layer of pressure to the contest.

With momentum on their side and a place in the final within reach, India will look to deliver a disciplined and clinical performance as they aim to take the next step in their title defence.

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COLOMBO, SRI LANKA: In a final brimming with drama and tension, the India U17 men’s national team held their nerve to defeat Bangladesh 4-1 on penalties and lift their seventh SAFF U17 Championship title at the Racecourse International Stadium in Colombo on Saturday, September 27, 2025.

In a contest where India led 2-1 at half-time with goals from Dallamuon Gangte (4’) and Azlaan Shah KH (38’), Bangladesh clawed back with a last-gasp equaliser from Ihsan Habib Riduan to level things up at 2-2 and force a shootout. But it were the Blue Colts who held their composure when it mattered most.

The penalty shootout saw India showing maturity beyond their age. Dallalmuon Gangte, Korou Meitei Konthoujam, and Indra Rana Magar converted with aplomb before Shubham Poonia slotted home the decisive fourth kick. Bangladesh, by contrast, crumbled under pressure. Md Ikramul Islam struck the crossbar, Md Azam Khan saw his effort saved by Manashjyoti Baruah, and although Md Manik converted their third attempt, it was too late. India erupted in celebration, reclaiming their throne in emphatic fashion.

India began the match with vigour and aggression, fully aware that Bangladesh had not conceded a single goal throughout the tournament. The breakthrough came as early as the 4th minute, when Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam whipped in a cross from the left. After a Bangladeshi defender attempted to clear, the ball rebounded kindly, and Gangte made no mistake with the second attempt to give India the perfect start.

While India continued to dominate possession, their inability to convert more chances into goals kept Bangladesh in the hunt. Slowly but surely, Bangladesh grew into the game and found their equaliser in the 24th minute. After a long-range attempt from Nazmul Huda Faysal forced a diving save from Baruah, Bangladesh capitalised from the resulting corner. Faysal floated the ball in, and it eventually fell to Manik, who nodded it home from close range.

The goal injected life into Bangladesh’s play. They came agonisingly close again in the 29th minute when Md Opu Rahman’s header struck the woodwork. India’s defence suddenly found themselves tested, but Baruah remained composed, pulling off multiple saves to deny the Bangladeshi forwards.

India, however, showed their resolve by regaining the lead in the 38th minute, thanks to a defensive lapse from Bangladesh. Once again, Gunleiba wreaked havoc down the left and delivered a dangerous cross. The Bangladesh goalkeeper failed to gather cleanly, allowing Azlaan Shah Kh to pounce on the rebound. Md Ikramul Islam had the chance to block the shot on the goal line, but Azlaan’s powerful left-footer sneaked past to put India 2-1 ahead before half-time.

The second half saw India adopt a more pragmatic approach, content with protecting their slender lead. Bangladesh pressed forward, looking for an equaliser, and Islam nearly made amends in the 49th minute with a glancing header from a corner, but Baruah again was alert.

A fierce strike from Faysal in the 50th minute hit the crossbar, underlining how close the match was. India, too, had chances to finish the game. In the 88th minute, Lesvin Rebelo’s header from a corner rattled the bar, while Gangte also forced a good save from distance.

However, just when India seemed destined to win in regulation time, Bangladesh delivered a sting in the tail. In the seventh minute of added time, Md Sabbir Islam launched a desperate long throw into the Indian box. Amid chaos and indecision, Ihsan Habib Riduan capitalised on a loose ball to smash it in and send the final into a penalty shootout.

Yet, the night ultimately belonged to Bibiano Fernandes’ brave young side, who held their nerve under the floodlights to emerge victorious. It was the fifth SAFF title for Fernandes, and the second in less than five months, adding to the SAFF U19 crown won in Arunachal Pradesh in May.

India U17: Manashjyoti Baruah (GK), Indra Rana Magar, Shubham Poonia, Thanggoumang Touthang (Diamond Singh Thokchom 75′), Rahan Ahmed (Lesvin Rebelo 65′), Dallalmuon Gangte, Lawmsangzuala, Azlaan Shah Kh (Aazim Parveez Najar 75′), Md Aimaan Bin (Korou Meitei Konthoujam 90+1′), Wangkheirakpam Gunleiba (Kamgouhou Doungel 90+1′), Denny Singh Wangkhem (C).

Credits: AIFF Media

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COLOMBO, SRI LANKA: In a commanding performance, the India U-17 men’s national team brushed aside Nepal with a comprehensive 3-0 victory to book their place in the final of the SAFF U-17 Championship 2025. The semi-final, held at the Racecourse International Stadium on Thursday, 25 September 2025, saw the defending champions finally convert their dominance into goals, setting up a title clash against Bangladesh, who earlier defeated Pakistan 2-0.

Wangkheirakpam Gunleiba (61’) and substitutes Azlaan Shah Kh (80’) and Diamond Singh Thokchom (90+4’) were the scorers as the Blue Colts notched up their fourth consecutive win in the tournament.

While the scoreline at half-time remained goalless, it belied India’s authority and composure on the ball. India displayed maturity beyond their years, orchestrating attacks through smart distribution and wide play, keeping Nepal on the back foot for most of the half. The only concern for head coach Bibiano Fernandes’ side was the lack of clinical finishing, an issue that prevented them from going into the break with a comfortable cushion.

India’s first real opportunity came amidst a scramble in the box when Wangkheirakpam Gunleiba fired goalwards, only to be thwarted by a sharp block from a Nepal defender. The chance sparked further urgency in the Indian ranks. Moments later, Md Aimaan floated in a delightful cross from the left which fell to Dallalmuon Gangte, but the usually dependable forward couldn’t find the target.

Defensively, India were watertight. The midfield closed down space with discipline while the backline cut off passing channels, leaving Nepal with little choice but to attempt long-range efforts. One such effort by Pratis Thapa Magar, a powerful drive from the edge of the box, forced a full-stretch save from goalkeeper Manashjyoti Baruah.

Just before the interval, India nearly took the lead. A cross from the left caught the Nepal custodian off his line. Kamgouhao Doungel, perfectly placed at the far post, hesitated to take the shot first time, opting instead to control the ball, an error that allowed Nepal’s defence to regroup and clear.

The breakthrough finally came in the 61st minute. Denny Singh Wangkhem fed a low ball from the right into the Nepal penalty area. Gangte cleverly dummied the pass, wrong-footing the entire backline and goalkeeper. The ball landed at the feet of Gunleiba, who calmly slotted it home to open the scoring and break Nepal’s resistance.

The second goal came in the 80th minute, the result of a classic counter-attack. Substitute Azlaan Shah received a pass down the left and charged forward with blistering pace. A sharp change of direction left his marker stumbling, before he unleashed a thunderous and spectacular strike into the net.

India wrapped up the match in stoppage time. Gunleiba’s low cross beat the Nepal defence and fell invitingly for another substitute, Diamond Singh Thokchom, who tapped in from close range to cap off a clinical performance and spark wild celebrations in the Indian camp.

India: Manashjyoti Baruah (GK), Maldino Singh Yumnam (Lawmsangzuala None 45′), Indra Magar, Shubham Poonia, Thanggoumang Touthang, Kamgouhao Doungel (Azlaan Shah Kh 45′), Rahan Ahmed, Dallalmuon Gangte (Nitishkumar Meitei Yengkhom 88′), Md Aimaan Bin, Wangkheirakpam Gunleiba, Denny Singh Wangkhem (C).

Credits: AIFF Media

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COLOMBO, SRI LANKA: The India U17 men’s national team began their SAFF U17 Championship 2025 title defence in an emphatic fashion as they cruised to a 6-0 demolition of Maldives in their opening Group B encounter at the Racecourse International Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.

The Blue Colts were clinical and commanding from the first whistle as they sliced through the Maldives defence at will and announced their championship intent with a fluid, attacking performance.

Dallalmuon Gangte struck twice, while Hrishikesh Charan Manavathi, Kamgouhao Doungel, Wangkheirakpam Gunleiba, and Aazim Parveez Najar joined the scoresheet in what was a complete performance at both ends of the pitch.

The match was barely settling when India seized control. Bibiano Fernandes’ side played with high press and kept possession with confident passing patterns. They also constantly switched flanks to pull the Maldives defence out of shape, with Wangkheirakpam Gunleiba in particular proving unplayable on the left wing. His pace and intelligent crossing repeatedly carved open spaces in the final third.

India took the lead in the 12th minute. Wangkheirakpam darted past his marker, cut inside and whipped in a delightful ball. Manavathi cleverly dummied the cross, deceiving the Maldives goalkeeper completely and leaving Gangte with a simple conversion into an empty net.

India doubled their advantage in the 29th minute. It was again Wangkheirakpam creating the havoc, blazing down the left and squaring a low ball for Manavathi, who muscled past Ibrahim Avsam Abdulla to steer in the second.

Maldives offered little in response. Aside from speculative attempts from Aakif Bin Mohammed and Aidh Mohammed Jaweez, the islanders were second best in every department.

The Blue Colts continued their rout in the second half too and extended their lead further in the 49th minute. After being teed up by Denny Singh Wangkhem, Wangkheirakpam provided his third assist of the match with a cross across the face of the Maldives goal and Doungel powered his shot into the roof of the net.

Wangkheirakpam then crowned his stellar performance with a goal of his own in the 58th minute. After Wangkhem stole the ball high up the pitch, he released Wangkheirakpam, who left his defender in the dust before unleashing a thunderous left-footed strike into the far corner.

Maldives’ composure disintegrated under constant waves of Indian attacks and, in the 68th minute, the harassed Avsam Abdulla brought down Rahan Ahmed in the box. Gangte stepped up from the spot and confidently slotted home his second of the match, making it 5-0.

But India weren’t done. With four minutes remaining, Azlaan Shah floated in a teasing cross from the right which substitute Aazim Parveez Najar met with a precise header, rounding off the rout in the 86th minute.

Credits: AIFF Media

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All seven SAFF nations are taking part in this year’s edition. Group A consists of hosts Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh, while Group B will see the Blue Colts go up against Maldives, Bhutan, and Pakistan. The top two from each will advance to the semi-finals on September 25. The final will be held on September 27. India are the defending champions, having won the SAFF U17 title in Bhutan last year after beating Bangladesh 2-0 in the final.

The Blue Colts’ head coach, Bibiano Fernandes, is gunning for his record fifth SAFF title, the fourth one coming as recently as May 2025, when he led India to the SAFF U19 title in Arunachal Pradesh. He was also in charge of the Indian side that lifted the SAFF U17 Championship 2022 in Sri Lanka.

Now entrusted with leading the current U17 batch, which comprises 2009 and later-born players, Fernandes praised the team’s dedication and commitment in preparation. “The players have spent nearly two months in Goa undergoing rigorous training. We are delighted to be here in Sri Lanka, and we also appreciate the hosts’ warm hospitality,” he said.

India’s 23-member squad was finalised after a thorough scouting effort that was shortlisted and narrowed down from a pool of 86 players through various trials beginning in July. Fernandes explained, “We cast the net as wide as possible to ensure depth and provide opportunities. The past two months have been about gelling as a unit. We’ve used this time not only to prepare for SAFF but also to gear up for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers that lie ahead.”

Amid the excitement of defending the crown, Fernandes stressed the need to stay focused and grounded. “We would like to focus on the present rather than the past. Right now, we are only thinking about the first match against Maldives. We will give our best and take each match as it comes,” he said.

Captain Wangkhem Denny Singh, who plays in midfield, echoed the tinges of his coach’s words. “We worked really hard during the last two months in Goa, and we are prepared to give our best here,” said the skipper

India’s opening rivals, Maldives, have arrived in Sri Lanka after a camp of two weeks. Their Head coach, Sabah Mohamed Ibrahim, was candid about the challenge. “Technically, our players are fine, but we lack international exposure and friendly matches,” he said. Looking ahead to the clash against India, he added, “India are the favourite nation in this group. They have been winning consistently and have the strongest setup. Our approach against them will be different from Pakistan or Bhutan. For us, India are the benchmark team here.”

The Blue Colts will also take on Bhutan on September 19 and Pakistan on September 22 in the group stage. While the immediate task is navigating the SAFF U17 Championship, Fernandes is equally focused on the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, scheduled for November this year in Ahmedabad.

Credits: AIFF Media

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The Young Tigresses concluded the SAFF U17 Women’s Championship with five wins and one loss.

Purnima Marma opened the scoring for Bangladesh in the first minute. India’s Anushka Kumari equalised in the ninth minute. However, Bangladesh regained the lead in the 34th minute when Alpi Akter scored, and extended it in the 48th minute through Sauravi Prity.

India pulled one back in the 65th minute with a strike from Pritika Barman, and equalised in the 89th through skipper Julan. Prity scored again in injury time, to give Bangladesh the win.

Bangladesh took the lead within 30 seconds of the kick off through Purnima Marma, finding the back of the net, marking the first goal the Young Tigresses conceded in the entire tournament. The clean sheet streak ended, but as the head coach had remarked earlier, “It’s not the end of the world.”

India responded swiftly in the ninth minute when Anushka Kumari broke into the box, went past the advancing goalkeeper and two defenders, finishing calmly to level the scores.

Bangladesh, however, restored their lead again in the 34th minute amid chaos in the Indian penalty box. Alpi Akter scored from close range to make it 2-1.

India had more opportunities to equalise. In the 24th minute, Anushka again burst into the box from the right flank but dragged her shot narrowly wide off the left post. Right before the half-time, India skipper Julan was fouled by Bangladesh’s Kulsum, earning a free-kick. Anushka stepped up but was again denied when her powerful strike rattled the post, adding to her frustration.

In the second half, Bangladesh extended their lead early again. In the 48th minute, Sauravi Prity ran into the Indian box and struck past two defenders and keeper Munni to make it 3-1.

India continued to create multiple chances, and in the 59th minute, a cross from Pritika Barman found Valaina, whose header went wide.

India pulled one back in the 65th minute when Pritika struck from the right flank, reducing the gap to 3-2. Pritika created further opportunities in the 67th and 69th minutes, but the Bangladesh defence and keeper prevented a goal.

India finally equalised in the 89th through Julan, with a shot from outside the box. However, Bangladesh regained the lead in the added time, when Prity scored the winning goal.

For her eight goals in six games, Anushka Kumari picked up the Top Goalscorer of the tournament award, her second such accolade after being the joint top-scorer in the SAFF U16 Women’s Championship last year. With four goals and three assists, Abhista Basnett bagged the Most Valuable Player of the Tournament Award.

The team will now travel to Bengaluru to continue preparations for the upcoming AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers in October in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic.

India U17 Women: Munni (GK), Taniya Devi Tonambam (Valaina Jada Fernandes 46’), Elizabed Lakra, Divyani Linda, Julan Nongmaithem (C), Anushka Kumari, Pearl Fernandes (Thandamoni Baskey 13’), Shveta Rani (Pritika Barman 46’), Abhista Basnett, Nira Chanu Longjam (Bonifilia Shullai 77’), Alisha Lyngdoh (Alena Devi Sarangthem 56’)

Credits: AIFF Media

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On Sunday, she scored her first hat-trick in the span of just 19 minutes against Bhutan in the SAFF U17 Women’s Championship. A sizzling free-kick into the roof of the net and two right-footed strikes that nestled into the bottom corner. A special talent is brewing in Indian women’s football.

It’s been brewing since before she was even a teenager. She started to play at the age of six, like how most kids in India do. “At first, I used to play casually at home. Watching my elder sisters go to play made me want to go out and play as well, so that’s how I began,” Anushka told AIFF.

When she was 11, she joined the Residential Girls Football Centre in Hazaribagh, around 80 kilometres from her hometown Rukka in the Ranchi district of Jharkhand.

“From then on, I kept moving forward. I played in the Sub Junior National Football Championship for Jharkhand. The scouts were present there. I performed my best, and from there, I was selected for the national camp,” said Anushka, whose mother is a labourer and runs the household after her father suffered a fractured leg and is unable to work anymore.

And just like that, Anushka found herself wearing the blue of India at the SAFF U16 Women’s Championship 2024 in Nepal. She was only 13 years old and emerged as the joint top-scorer of the tournament with five goals, scoring in every single match.

“Playing for India means a lot to me because there are so many players who attend trials from various places, and then only a few of us get selected. After that, it’s even more difficult to make it to the playing XI. So being here makes me feel really happy that out of so many players, I could make it through.”

But when India lost the final to Bangladesh on penalties, Anushka was left dejected. This wasn’t how her maiden foray into international football was supposed to be.

“When we went to play the SAFF last year, we couldn’t win the final. We felt really bad because we had worked so hard but still couldn’t get the trophy home. So this time (in Bhutan), we have come with the mindset to win the trophy and take it back with us.”

A diminutive but quick figure on the pitch, Anushka started out as an attacking midfielder before transitioning into a striker, while playing for Indian Arrows Women Juniors under Joakim Alexandersson during last season’s IWL 2. She was her team’s top-scorer with six goals, playing a big role in their runners-up finish and promotion to the IWL.

“The IWL 2 was a really good experience. Earlier, I did not know how to play as a striker. Coach Joakim put me in that role, and I learned how much a striker can contribute by scoring and helping the team. Whenever I get the ball, I have an eye for the goal. I learned a lot from playing in the league,” said Anushka.

Off the pitch, her father and elder brother are her biggest supporters. “They feel so proud when they see me playing, whether on TV or on the phone. It delights them by saying, ‘my daughter is playing or my sister is playing’. Whenever I need anything, I tell them, and they make sure I get it. So, I am really thankful to both of them.

“I have a lot of dreams. Going forward, I want to play for the U20s, and then the senior national team and help India win games. I want to keep scoring goals and, one day, take this team to the World Cup,” aspired Anushka.

For now, the immediate task in hand is to lift the SAFF U17 Women’s title on the August 31 in Thimphu. Her first hat-trick has only fuelled the fire even more as she chases her second consecutive top-scorer award. With five goals in three games, she leads the chart, closely followed by teammate Abhista Basnett at four. But as long as the team wins, it doesn’t matter whose boots the goals come from.

“My team always supports me well, and since it was my first hat-trick, I am really happy that I could perform well. We want to win the SAFF and then qualify for the U17 Asian Cup in October,” said Anushka.

With three wins in three, the Young Tigresses are flying in Bhutan so far. They will face the hosts again on Wednesday, August 27, at the Changlimithang Stadium at 17:30 IST. The match will be streamed live on the Sportzworkz YouTube Channel.

Ahead of the fourth match of the competition, head coach Joakim Alexandersson said, “It’s been great to see many different goalscorers so far. We had a recovery session on Monday and a solid hour of training today (Tuesday). Our starts haven’t been the best so far, so we are more focused and concentrated on what we want to do with the ball right from the beginning. Our defence has been decently good, but there are still things to improve.”

Credits: AIFF Media

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The Blue Colts successfully defend their SAFF U19 Championship crown at the Golden Jubilee Stadium on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

The match had ended 1-1 after regulation time, forcing a nervy penalty shootout. Buoyed by a raucous crowd, India had taken the lead in the second minute through captain Singamayum Shami before Bangladesh equalised in the 61st minute through Md Joy Ahamed.

The shootout was not for the faint-hearted. Rohen Singh’s limp second penalty gave Bangladesh the upper hand as keeper Md Ismail Hossain Mahin saved the spot-kick; the stadium fell silent.

But Bibiano Fernandes’ boys refused to buckle. When Bangladesh skipper Nazmul Huda Faysal blazed his effort over the cross-bar, the game swung back India’s way. With renewed belief, India converted their remaining kicks, and goalkeeper Suraj Singh Aheibam delivered when it mattered the most. He dived low to his left to deny Salahuddin Sahed.

Captain Singamayum Shami, who had started the evening with a stunning goal, stepped up for the final kick. Calm, composed, and full of conviction, he slotted it in to crown India champions once again. A fitting end to a tense and fiercely fought contest.

India had come flying out of the blocks. Within two minutes, they were ahead. Awarded a free-kick from over 30 yards out, Shami spotted the Bangladesh keeper slightly out of position and went for goal. His curling strike was pinpoint, and even though Mahin got a hand to it, the power behind the effort carried it into the net.

India rode the momentum, dominating possession and pushing Bangladesh on the back foot. Their passing was crisp, their movement sharp, and their wings once again proved their most potent weapon. In the 16th minute, Omang Dodum sliced through the defence with a solo run and was nearly in for a second, but Mahin made a vital save to keep Bangladesh in the contest.

Those missed chances would come back to haunt India. Bangladesh, rattled at first, grew into the game. They closed down spaces, cut off India’s passing channels, and slowly turned the tide. By half-time, they had begun to threaten with set-pieces, but India’s backline stood firm.

The breakthrough came in the 61st minute. A chaotic corner sparked a scramble in the box, and Md Joy Ahamed pounced on the loose ball, firing it past Suraj Singh to level the match. It was the first goal India had conceded in the tournament, and it came at the worst possible moment.

From there, both teams pressed for a winner, but the game turned cagey and physical. The final third became a battlefield, and clear-cut chances were few and far between.

With the whistle blowing for full time, it all came down to the tie-breaker. And India captain Shami rose to the occasion a second time to bury the final penalty into the net and send his team and the crowd into delirium.

FT: India (Singamayum Shami 2’) 1 (4) – 1 (3) Bangladesh (Md Joy Ahamed 61’)

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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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India will face Bangladesh (September 20) and Maldives (September 24) in Group A of the SAFF U17 Championship. The semi-finals will take place on September 28, followed by the final on September 30. All matches will be played at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu. The tournament will be streamed live on the Sportzworkz YouTube Channel.

The Blue Colts will depart for Thimphu from their base camp in Srinagar on Wednesday, September 18.

India’s 23-member squad for SAFF U17 Championship:

Goalkeepers: Aheibam Suraj Singh, Nandan Roy, Rohit.

Defenders: Brahmacharimayum Sumit Sharma, Chingtham Renin Singh, Jodric Abranches, Karish Soram, Mohammed Kaif, Usham Thoungamba Singh, Yaipharemba Chingakham.

Midfielders: Abdul Salha Sheergojri, Ahongshangbam Samson, Banlamkupar Rynjah, Kh Azlaan Khan, Levis Zangminlun, Mahmad Sami, Manbhakupar Malngiang, Md Arbash, Ngamgouhou Mate, Ningthoukhongjam Rishi Singh, Vishal Yadav.

Forwards: Bharat Lairenjam, Hemneichung Lunkim.

Head coach: Ishfaq Ahmed

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Credit – AIFF Media

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