Football

Nepal stumbled in the SAFF U-17 Championship final again as India completed a clinical 4-0 victory to lift their fourth title in Colombo on Wednesday evening.

Hopes were high in the Nepali camp, especially after Nepal’s 3-1 victory over India in the group stage. But the Indian side stepped up to deliver goods when it mattered the most.

They dominated the proceedings in the final at the Racecourse International Stadium from the start, scoring twice on either side of half-time. 

Bobby Singh opened the Indian account in the 18th minute. India captain Vanlalpeka centred a cross from the right and an unmarked Bobby nodded in the ball.

Korou Singh added another on the half-hour mark to double India’s lead. Vanlalpeka put Korou through with a neat pass and the latter got the better of Nepali keeper Krishal Moktan.

Trailing by two goals, Nepal started to press hard but India held firm. Their problem was compounded in the 38th minute when they were reduced to 10 players.

As the rival team players fought for the ball, India’s Danny Laishram fell on the back of Nepali captain Prashant Laksam. The referee reached his pocket and to the horror of the entire Nepali camp, showed Laksam a straight red. His vehement protest fell on a deaf ear.

Nepal defended well to limit the Indian advantage to 2-0 as the teams went for the break.  
Indian resumed the match from where they had left off. Enjoying their numerical advantage, they made it 3-0 in the 63rd minute. The Indian captain beat the Nepali goalie from distance to put his name on the score sheet.  

Second-half substitute Aman nutmegged Nepal goalie Moktan to score India’s fourth in injury time to wrap up the victory.