Latest news with #SAFFU19Championship2025
India Gazette
17-05-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
India to face Bangladesh in SAFF U19 final, aim for record 10th title in Arunachal showdown
Yupia (Arunachal Pradesh) [India], May 17 (ANI): Aiming to win their record-extending 10th SAFF age-group men's tournament, India will take on Bangladesh in the SAFF U19 Championship 2025 final on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at the Golden Jubilee Stadium, at 19:00 IST. India has won the U15, U16, and U17 tournaments twice each, and the U18, U19 and U20 once each. Head coach Bibiano Fernandes has won three of them and is looking for his fourth on Sunday. Bangladesh is a familiar opponent for the Blue Colts. The two nations have met in four SAFF men's age-group finals, and India has won all four, including last year's SAFF U17 final by 2-0, with goals from Md Arbash and Mohammed Kaif, both of whom are part of the current U19 squad. India has showcased utter dominance in front of a roaring Arunachal Pradesh crowd so far, winning 8-0 and 4-0 against Sri Lanka and Nepal, respectively, in the group stage, and 3-0 against the Maldives in the semi-final on Friday. Fernandes and captain Singamayum Shami had plenty of praise for the local crowd who have come in increasing numbers in every India match, especially during the semi-final under pouring rain. 'Yesterday, we saw so many fans under such heavy rain, and nobody moved out of the stands. They were still there supporting till the end of the game, and that was amazing. I would like to call the fans to come back tomorrow as well. We will give our best on the pitch and make sure that we don't leave anything behind. I promise that it will be a good game and we will entertain the crowd the same way we have entertained them in the last three games,' said Fernandes as quoted by the AIFF official website. Midfielder Shami, who was named the player of the match against Maldives, said, 'The Arunachal people love football so much. We're very happy to see so many people coming and supporting us. As players, we feel proud playing in front of them. We're ready for the final and will give our best tomorrow.' Bangladesh beat Nepal 2-1 in the semi-final. After a cagey opening 74 minutes, Ashikur Rahman broke the deadlock with a header from a corner before captain Nazmul Huda Faysal scored the second. Nepal halved the deficit, but Bangladesh saw off the victory. 'We didn't play Bangladesh in the tournament, but have seen them play and know how good they are. They have shown good character in the tournament, especially in the semi-finals, beating Nepal. We respect that, and we will prepare and get ourselves ready and make sure we give our best efforts in the finals,' said Fernandes. Bangladesh head coach Golam Robbani Choton said, 'Our boys have played good football in all the matches so far, they've learnt a lot, and now are quite confident in their abilities. We are ready for the final.' Bangladesh captain Faysal said, 'There's always a certain level of excitement surrounding any final. It's the last match of the tournament, and both teams want to win it. We've come here to fulfil our objective, which is to take the trophy back home. 'We have full confidence in each of our players right from the first match to the semi-finals, and that will continue to the final as well. We've come here to achieve good things. Since we're facing India in the final, you may say it's a bit of a different proposition. But we have a lot of respect for India, they are a good side. However, we are here to achieve our goals, and we will give it 100 per cent to achieve it.' The 15-year-old also expressed his appreciation for APFA, AIFF and SAFF for providing a good platform for young football players in South Asia at the SAFF U19 Championship, which is also the first international football tournament to be hosted in Arunachal Pradesh. 'I want to convey my wholehearted gratitude to the APFA, AIFF, and SAFF for bringing us to a new city and new environment. We've thoroughly enjoyed ourselves here. From the hotels to the grounds have been great, and the protocols have been very helpful,' said Faysal. (ANI)
United News of India
17-05-2025
- Sport
- United News of India
India beat Maldives to set up SAFF U19 summit clash with Bangladesh
Yupia (Arunachal Pradesh), May 17 (UNI) Defending champions India stormed into the final of SAFF U19 Championship 2025 with a commanding 3-0 victory against Maldives in front of a passionate home crowd and under pouring rain, at the Golden Jubilee Stadium here. Goals from Danny Meitei Laishram (14'), Omang Dodum (21'), and Prashan Jajo (66') ensured a smooth passage to the title clash, as India once again maintained their perfect record — both in terms of wins and clean sheets on Friday night. India will face the Bangladesh U19 side, who went past Nepal 2-1 in the other semi-final, held earlier in the day. From the outset, India looked sharp, hungry, and in complete control. Dominating possession and dictating the tempo, they pegged Maldives deep into their own half with wave after wave of attacks. Their pressing game was relentless, their passing crisp, their positioning perfect. The early breakthrough came in the 14th minute following a well-worked corner routine. Prashan Jajo floated in a teasing delivery from the left, and Danny Meitei connected sweetly with a left-footed volley that took a bounce and crashed into the back of the net. It was Danny's fifth goal of the tournament and yet another example of his clinical finishing. India's second goal followed just six minutes later and was a product of seamless teamwork. Jajo once again played the architect, darting down the left wing before scooping the ball over the Maldives backline. Meitei smartly laid it off to local favourite Omang Dodum, who made no mistake from close range, giving India a 2-0 cushion heading into half-time. Though Maldives had shown flashes of attacking flair in previous matches, they found it difficult to carve open the Indian defence. When they did manage to get shots off, goalkeeper Suraj Singh Aheibam was equal to the task. India were tactically astute in the second half, not allowing the Maldives time or space to mount a comeback. Anticipating their tendency to push hard after the break, India closed down passing lanes and nullified any potential threat. The heavens opened up in the second half, drenching the pitch and making conditions tricky. Yet, India adapted well and soon took advantage of a goalkeeping error. In the 65th minute, Jajo unleashed a powerful right-footed strike from outside the box. Maldives custodian Xahran Hassan Ziyad misjudged the pace of the shot and allowed the ball to slip through his hands — an unfortunate moment that sealed the contest at 3-0. Despite a few late attempts by the Maldives to salvage pride, India's backline remained resolute under the downpour, wrapping up another assured performance. India U19: Aheibam Suraj Singh (GK), Jodric Abranches, Sumit Sharma Brahmacharimayum, Singamayum Shami (C) (Gurnaj Singh Grewal 82'), Omang Dodum (Bharat Lairenjam 71'), Md Arbash, Chaphamayum Rohen Singh, Malemngamba Singh Thokchom (Roshan Singh Thangjam 46'), Danny Meitei Laishram (Rishi Singh 71'), Sohum Utreja, Prashan Jajo (Yohaan Benjamin 71'). In the other match, Bangladesh secured their spot in the final of the SAFF U-19 Championship with a hard-fought 2-1 win against Nepal U-19 in a tightly contested semi-final. After a cagey and goalless first half, the game burst into life in the final 20 minutes. Ashikur Rahman opened the scoring in the 74th minute, breaking the deadlock with a composed finish. Nazmul Huda Faysal added a second just seven minutes later to give Bangladesh a commanding lead. Nepal responded with a late goal in the 87th minute through Sujan Dangol, sparking hopes of a dramatic comeback. However, Bangladesh held their nerve in the closing minutes to secure a narrow, yet deserved victory, and book their place in the summit clash. UNI BM
India Gazette
17-05-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
SAFF U-19 Championship: Bangladesh edge past Nepal to reach final
Yupia (Arunachal Pradesh) [India], May 17 (ANI): Bangladesh secured their spot in the final of the SAFF U-19 Championship with a hard-fought 2-1 win against Nepal U-19 in a tightly contested semi-final, according to the official website of AIFF. After a cagey and goalless first half, the game burst into life in the final 20 minutes. Ashikur Rahman opened the scoring in the 74th minute, breaking the deadlock with a composed finish. Nazmul Huda Faysal added a second just seven minutes later to give Bangladesh a commanding lead. Nepal responded with a late goal in the 87th minute through Sujan Dangol, sparking hopes of a dramatic comeback. However, Bangladesh held their nerve in the closing minutes to secure a narrow yet deserved victory and book their place in the summit clash. In the other semi-final, defending champions India stormed into the final of SAFF U19 Championship 2025 with a commanding 3-0 victory against Maldives in front of a passionate home crowd and under pouring rain, at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia. Goals from Danny Meitei Laishram (14'), Omang Dodum (21'), and Prashan Jajo (66') ensured a smooth passage to the title clash, as India once again maintained their perfect record -- both in terms of wins and clean sheets. Bangladesh will face the Indian side in the final. From the outset, India looked sharp, hungry, and in complete control. Dominating possession and dictating the tempo, they pegged Maldives deep into their own half with wave after wave of attacks. Their pressing game was relentless, their passing crisp, their positioning perfect. The early breakthrough came in the 14th minute following a well-worked corner routine. Prashan Jajo floated in a teasing delivery from the left, and Danny Meitei connected sweetly with a left-footed volley that took a bounce and crashed into the back of the net. It was Danny's fifth goal of the tournament and yet another example of his clinical finishing. India's second goal followed just six minutes later and was a product of seamless teamwork. Jajo once again played the architect, darting down the left wing before scooping the ball over the Maldives backline. Meitei smartly laid it off to local favourite Omang Dodum, who made no mistake from close range, giving India a 2-0 cushion heading into half-time. Though the Maldives had shown flashes of attacking flair in previous matches, they found it difficult to carve open the Indian defence. When they did manage to get shots off, goalkeeper Suraj Singh Aheibam was equal to the task. India were tactically astute in the second half, not allowing the Maldives time or space to mount a comeback. Anticipating their tendency to push hard after the break, India closed down passing lanes and nullified any potential threat. The heavens opened up in the second half, drenching the pitch and making conditions tricky. Yet, India adapted well and soon took advantage of a goalkeeping error. In the 65th minute, Jajo unleashed a powerful right-footed strike from outside the box. Maldives custodian Xahran Hassan Ziyad misjudged the pace of the shot and allowed the ball to slip through his hands -- an unfortunate moment that sealed the contest at 3-0. Despite a few late attempts by the Maldives to salvage pride, India's backline remained resolute under the downpour, wrapping up another assured performance. (ANI)
India Gazette
17-05-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
Goal-hungry India set up SAFF U19 summit clash with Bangladesh
Yupia (Arunachal Pradesh) [India], May 17 (ANI): Defending champions India stormed into the final of SAFF U19 Championship 2025 with a commanding 3-0 victory against Maldives in front of a passionate home crowd and under pouring rain, at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia, as per the official website of AIFF. Goals from Danny Meitei Laishram (14'), Omang Dodum (21'), and Prashan Jajo (66') ensured a smooth passage to the title clash, as India once again maintained their perfect record -- both in terms of wins and clean sheets. India will face the Bangladesh U19 side, who went past Nepal 2-1 in the other semi-final, held earlier in the day. From the outset, India looked sharp, hungry, and in complete control. Dominating possession and dictating the tempo, they pegged Maldives deep into their own half with wave after wave of attacks. Their pressing game was relentless, their passing crisp, their positioning perfect. The early breakthrough came in the 14th minute following a well-worked corner routine. Prashan Jajo floated in a teasing delivery from the left, and Danny Meitei connected sweetly with a left-footed volley that took a bounce and crashed into the back of the net. It was Danny's fifth goal of the tournament and yet another example of his clinical finishing. India's second goal followed just six minutes later and was a product of seamless teamwork. Jajo once again played the architect, darting down the left wing before scooping the ball over the Maldives backline. Meitei smartly laid it off to local favourite Omang Dodum, who made no mistake from close range, giving India a 2-0 cushion heading into half-time. Though Maldives had shown flashes of attacking flair in previous matches, they found it difficult to carve open the Indian defence. When they did manage to get shots off, goalkeeper Suraj Singh Aheibam was equal to the task. India were tactically astute in the second half, not allowing the Maldives time or space to mount a comeback. Anticipating their tendency to push hard after the break, India closed down passing lanes and nullified any potential threat. The heavens opened up in the second half, drenching the pitch and making conditions tricky. Yet, India adapted well and soon took advantage of a goalkeeping error. In the 65th minute, Jajo unleashed a powerful right-footed strike from outside the box. Maldives custodian Xahran Hassan Ziyad misjudged the pace of the shot and allowed the ball to slip through his hands -- an unfortunate moment that sealed the contest at 3-0. Despite a few late attempts by the Maldives to salvage pride, India's backline remained resolute under the downpour, wrapping up another assured performance. (ANI)
India Gazette
12-05-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
SAFF U19 Championship: Bangladesh and Nepal cruise into semi-finals
Yupia (Arunachal Pradesh) [India], May 12 (ANI): Bangladesh booked their spot in the SAFF U19 Championship 2025 semi-finals after defeating Bhutan 3-0 in their Group A clash at the Golden Jubilee Stadium on Sunday. In the other match of the day, Nepal began their campaign with a 5-0 demolition of Sri Lanka in Group B. The result confirmed both India and Nepal's progression into the last four. Bangladesh, with this result, moved on to four points from two matches, after having drawn 2-2 against Maldives in their first match. With the top two from the three-team groups guaranteed a semi-finals spot, Bangladesh are assured of at least a second-placed finish in Group A, as per the AIFF official website. India and Nepal will battle it out for top spot in Group B on May 13, with the Blue Colts only needing a draw to emerge as group winners. Bhutan will need to beat Maldives on the same day if they are to qualify for the semi-finals. Right from the start, Bangladesh were in control and showed great attacking intent. Md Mursed Ali gave them the lead in the 13th minute with a composed finish, followed by a goal from Sree Sumon Soran in the 28th minute, which doubled their advantage. Despite a spirited second-half effort from Bhutan, much like Maldives in Bangladesh's previous game, the Bangladeshi defence held firm. They managed the game well, controlling possession and denying Bhutan any real scoring opportunities. In stoppage time, Nazmul Huda Faysal sealed the win, capitalising on a goalkeeper error to score the third. After starting on a cautious note initially, Sujan Dangol broke the deadlock in the first half stoppage time, giving Nepal the momentum heading into the break. Dharbendra Kunwar then doubled the lead in the 62nd minute, before Subash Bam added a third with a fierce left-footed shot in the 76th to put the game beyond Sri Lanka's reach. Nepal's substitutes added further gloss to the scoreline late in the game. Bigyan Khadka struck in the 89th minute, and Lachhu Thapa completed the rout with an injury-time free-kick into the top corner. With two consecutive losses, Sri Lanka are now officially out of the tournament. (ANI)
