India Wins SAFF U-19 Championship with Dominant Display Against Pakistan
India capped off a dominant South Asian Football Confederation (SAFF) U-19 Championship campaign with a resounding 3-0 victory over Pakistan in the final on Saturday.
The young Blue Tigers had already defeated Nepal and Pakistan in the semi-finals to confirm the title clash, and they continued their impressive form in the final, taking the lead in the 64th minute through Manglenthang.
The 18-year-old striker received a pass from Raja Harijan outside the penalty box and curled a superb shot into the top corner, leaving the Pakistani goalkeeper with no chance.
Manglenthang doubled India’s lead in the 85th minute. In injury time, India makes a 3-0 lead with a header from Gwgwmsar Govary’s cross.
The title is India’s third consecutive SAFF U-19 Championship triumph in the last four years, and it is a testament to the strength of the country’s youth development system.
In the semi-finals, India defeated Nepal, and Pakistan beat Bhutan to confirm the title clash.