Three goals. Three clean sheets. Three wins. And now, a shot at the SAFF U19 title.
Defending champions India U19 booked their place in the final of the SAFF U19 Championship 2025 with an emphatic 3-0 victory over the Maldives in the semifinal played on Friday, May 16, at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh.
Goals from Danny Meitei Laishram, Omang Dodum, and Prashan Jajo ensured India continued their flawless run in the tournament, setting up a title clash against Bangladesh on Sunday, May 18.
Ruthless from the Start
From the first whistle, the Blue Colts were on the front foot, pressing high and pushing the Maldives deep into their own half. India’s relentless pressing and fast-paced passing suffocated any build-up the Maldivian side attempted. And it didn’t take long for the breakthrough.
In the 14th minute, a cleverly worked corner saw Prashan Jajo whip in a curling delivery from the left. Danny Meitei, with his fifth goal of the tournament, connected sweetly on the volley, sending the ball bouncing past the Maldivian keeper.
It was yet another clinical finish from the in-form forward who is now turning heads across the region with his dazzling stats: 3 matches, 5 goals, 4 assists.
India doubled their lead just seven minutes later in a move that epitomized their attacking rhythm. Jajo, again central to the play, surged down the flank before looping a pinpoint ball behind the Maldives’ defence.
Meitei laid it off unselfishly to Omang Dodum, who calmly slotted home to send the local crowd into raptures. It was the perfect moment for the Arunachal Pradesh native to score — a goal that meant more than just numbers, as fans defied the rain to chant his name.
Commanding Control
Despite the 2-0 cushion, India showed no signs of easing off. Their control over midfield, orchestrated by Malemngamba Singh and Md Arbash, kept the tempo high and Maldives largely on the defensive.
The backline, marshalled by skipper Singamayum Shami, ensured that any Maldivian attack was quickly nullified.
Goalkeeper Suraj Singh Aheibam was called into action on a couple of occasions and responded with composure, maintaining India’s perfect defensive record in the tournament.
The second half brought more drama as the skies opened up, drenching the pitch and testing both teams’ composure.
But India adapted better. In the 66th minute, Jajo, who had already provided two assists, tried his luck from distance. It seemed routine, but the Maldives goalkeeper Xahran Hassan Ziyad fumbled it, and the ball slipped through his hands into the net — a moment that sealed the result.
Fans Brave the Rain for Their Heroes
While the players shone on the field, the crowd in Yupia deserved applause of their own. Despite steady rain in the second half, the local fans — drenched but undeterred — stayed on their feet, waving flags and chanting for the Blue Colts.
Their unwavering support added an electric atmosphere to the contest and earned praise across Indian football circles.
This is a region that breathes football passion. Calls have already begun for Arunachal Pradesh to be considered for future high-profile events — from AIFF-organised national team fixtures to ISL matches and even as a host for the Durand Cup 2025.
Final Showdown: India vs Bangladesh
With the win, India now face Bangladesh in the final. The Bangladeshi side edged Nepal 2-1 in a tense semifinal earlier in the day, with late goals from Ashikur Rahman (74’) and Nazmul Huda Faysal (81’) overcoming Sujan Dangol’s 87th-minute strike for Nepal.
The India vs Bangladesh rivalry has always been fierce, and with the U19 trophy on the line, Sunday promises a thrilling conclusion to the championship.
This India U19 side, led by a balanced blend of flair and discipline, has looked the most complete team in the competition. From Danny Meitei’s goal-scoring spree to Prashan Jajo’s vision and creativity, and a rock-solid defence anchored by Suraj Singh and captain Shami, the squad has answered every challenge with maturity beyond their years.
As they aim to defend their SAFF U19 title, the Blue Colts carry the momentum of clean sheets, a vocal home crowd, and individual brilliance. But most of all, they carry belief.
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’)
Next Stop: SAFF U19 Final
📅 May 18, 2025
🏟 Golden Jubilee Stadium, Yupia
🇮🇳 India vs Bangladesh 🇧🇩
Let’s win it, Blue Colts! 💙🔥
