India emerged victorious in a thrilling 4-2 encounter against Nepal, securing their place in the final of the 2024 SAFF U17 Championship. The match, held at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan, witnessed a high-octane battle between the two teams.
The first half remained goalless, with both teams cautiously sizing each other up. India’s midfielders dominated possession but struggled to penetrate Nepal’s resolute defense. The first clear chance came in the 12th minute when Md Arbash’s attempt from a tight angle sailed wide.
The second half saw India take the initiative. In the 61st minute, Vishal Yadav broke the deadlock with a poacher’s instinct, capitalizing on a rebound from Nepal’s goalkeeper. Just seven minutes later, Yadav doubled India’s lead with a similar goal, assisted by Karish Soram.
Nepal responded with a goal from Subash Bam in the 81st minute, but India quickly restored their two-goal advantage through a header from substitute Ningthoukhongjam Rishi Singh. However, Nepal refused to give up and pulled another goal back in the 89th minute when Mohammed Kaif deflected a corner into his own net.
As tensions rose, India sealed their victory in the fifth minute of injury time. Substitute Hemneichung Lunkim scored India’s fourth goal, ensuring their place in the final.
India will now face the winner of the second semifinal between Pakistan and Bangladesh in the title clash on Monday.
