Arunachal Pradesh, May 13 – India secured a dominant 4-0 victory over Nepal in their final Group B encounter at the SAFF U-19 Championship 2025, held at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yubia.
The emphatic win confirmed India’s place in the semifinals alongside Nepal, who had already progressed after defeating Sri Lanka 5-0 in their opener.
In front of an enthusiastic home crowd, India produced a clinical performance full of pace, flair, and attacking intent. The Indian wingers, in particular, stole the show with their relentless runs and skillful play down the flanks, leaving the Nepalese defense chasing shadows for most of the match.
Flying Start from the Hosts
India wasted little time asserting their dominance. The breakthrough came in the 28th minute when Thokchom delivered a teasing cross into the box.
The ball was cleverly flicked on, falling perfectly for Rohen Singh, who calmly slotted it past the goalkeeper to open the scoring.
Barely a minute later, the hosts doubled their advantage. Danny Meitei, ever lively in midfield, slipped a sharp pass into the path of Omang, the local star from Arunachal. Omang dazzled the defenders with quick footwork before guiding the ball into the net, sending the home fans into a frenzy. At 2-0 inside half an hour, India were cruising.
Nepal Struggle to Respond
Nepal, who came into the match on the back of a big win over Sri Lanka, found it difficult to deal with India’s high press and speed in transition. While they looked to counter-attack when possible, India’s backline stayed composed and alert, snuffing out any threats before they could materialize.
India continued to create chances. In the 62nd minute, Danny unleashed a powerful shot from distance, forcing a sharp save from the Nepalese goalkeeper. Omang was quick to react to the rebound but couldn’t convert as Nepal’s defense scrambled to clear.
Second-Half Surge Seals the Win
India’s control of the match was complete in the second half. The tempo remained high, and in the 76th minute, Rohen Singh got his second goal of the game.
A quick Indian move saw another rebound fall to the striker, and Rohen made no mistake, turning the ball into the net to make it 3-0.
The icing on the cake came in the 84th minute. This time, Danny Meitei got himself on the scoresheet. After an impressive all-round performance, the midfielder latched onto a loose ball in the box and calmly slotted it past the goalkeeper to make it 4-0, completing a resounding win for the home side.
Wingers Steal the Show
Much of the game’s excitement came from the flanks, where India’s wingers repeatedly tormented the Nepalese full-backs.
Their pace, trickery, and precision crossing were a constant threat, setting up several goal-scoring chances and drawing applause from the stands. As a football fan, it was pure joy to watch such dynamic wing play.
This aspect of India’s performance will be crucial going forward, especially in the semifinal where tougher opponents await.
The chemistry and sharp decision-making on the flanks make this Indian team dangerous, and any defensive lapses by future opponents could be heavily punished.
Group B Standings and Road Ahead
With the result, India top Group B, while Nepal also advance in second place. Sri Lanka, having suffered two heavy defeats, are eliminated.
The semifinal lineup is now set, with India poised to face the second-placed team from Group A, likely to be either Bangladesh or Maldives. The match is expected to take place later this week at the same venue.
Coach’s Corner
Post-match, the Indian head coach praised the team’s intensity and discipline.
“It was a complete performance today. The boys executed the plan perfectly, especially our wingers who were outstanding. We’ll recover and prepare well for the semifinal – our goal is to go all the way.”
India’s 4-0 demolition of Nepal was a statement performance. With creative brilliance in attack and composure at the back, the hosts now carry momentum and belief into the knockout stage. If the wingers continue this form, and the midfield controls games like they did today, India will be strong contenders for the SAFF U-19 crown.
Final Score:
India 4 (Rohen 28’, 76’, Omang 29’, Danny 84’)
Nepal 0
