Defending champions India defeated Nepal 4-2 (HT 0-0) in the first semi-final tie of the ongoing SAFF Men’s U17 Championship at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan on Saturday, 28th, September 2024. 

Vishal Yadav (2) scored a brace , while substitutes Rishi Singh and Hemneichung Lunkim both scored a goal each for the winners, after a goalless first half. For Nepal Subash Bam found the back of the net and an own goal by India’s Mohammed Kaif further allowed the Himalayan neighbour nation to reduce the margin of the loss.

The Ngamgouhou Mate led side which qualified for final slated to be held on Monday, 30 September, await the winners of the second semi-final to be played between Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Earlier ith both teams adopting cautious approach in the first half, it was India that had the better chances in the face of higher percentage of ball possession. They however failed to convert their few chances in the face of Nepal's resolute defence. The two teams went into the break locked in a tight stalemate.

Pep talk by Indian Head Coach Ishfaq Ahmed at half time, saw the Blue Colts raise the tempo of the match.

India took the lead in the 61st minute through a combination of smart tactical play and a poacher's instinct for goal. A neatly worked corner by Karish Soram deep into the far post from the right wing, saw Sumit Sharma Brahmacharimayum attempt a close-range header on target. Nepal's goalkeeper Pemba Nurbu Bhote however managed to make a half clearance and the opportunistic mid-fielder Vishal Yadav found the back of the net for India.

India's second goal was a near action replay to the first and came a mere seven minutes later. Uncannily, even the protagonists were the same. A cross from the right by Soram was once again met by Sumit and again, Yadav was right there to make the best use of the rebound from the goalkeeper. 

Nepal who had ousted the host Bhutan 2-1 in their final Group B league match, after trailing 0-1 in order to qualify for the semis, once again fought back by pulling one goal in the 81st minute, through Subash Bam after he capitalised on a through ball past Indian custodian Suraj Singh. India re-established the two-goal cushion four minutes later as substitute Ningthoukhongjam Rishi Singh, who came on to the pitch only a couple of minutes earlier, headed from a corner at the near post.

In a frenetic end to the game, Nepal got another goal back in the 89th minute when Mohammed Kaif deflected a corner into his own net. Substitute Hemneichung Lunkim scored India’s fourth in the fifth minute of injury time to ensure no further hiccups. 

India U17: Aheibam Suraj Singh (GK), Karish Soram, Brahmacharimayum Sumit Sharma, Mohammed Kaif, Yaipharemba Chingakham; Md Arbash (Manbhakupar Malngiang, 74’), Ngamgouhou Mate (C), Levis Zangminlun (Azlaan Shah, 90+5’); Ahongshangbam Samson, Bharat Lairenjam (Hemneichung Lunkim, 74’), Vishal Yadav (Ningthoukhongjam Rishi Singh, 83’).

Result (Semi-Final 1):

India 4 (Vishal Yadav 61’, 68’, Rishi Singh 85’, Hemneichung Lunkim 90+5) beat Nepal 2 (Subash Bam 81’, Mohammed Kaif, (OG) 89’). (HT 0-0)

Photo Above : Opportunistic mid-fielder and Man of the Match Vishal Yadav exults (centre)  after setting up India's win with two second half goals against Nepal  (Photo courtesy SAFF)