The India U17 men’s national team sent a strong message to the rest of the competition as they began their SAFF U17 Championship title defence in resounding fashion, thrashing Maldives 6–0 in their Group B opener at the Racecourse International Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Goals came from all directions – Dallalmuon Gangte struck twice, while Hrishikesh Charan Manavathi, Kamgouhao Doungel, Wangkheirakpam Gunleiba, and substitute Aazim Parveez Najar all found the net. It was not just the margin of victory but the manner of dominance that stood out, with India in complete control for the full 90 minutes.
From the first whistle, Bibiano Fernandes’ side looked sharper, hungrier, and far more composed on the ball. Playing with a high defensive line and relentless pressing, India pinned Maldives deep into their half. The midfield trio dictated possession, switching play quickly from flank to flank, with the left wing proving particularly fruitful. It took just 12 minutes for India to make their superiority count. The irrepressible Wangkheirakpam Gunleiba surged down the left, beating his marker with ease before whipping in a teasing cross.
Hrishikesh Manavathi, showing great awareness, let the ball roll past him with a clever dummy, completely wrong-footing the Maldives goalkeeper. Gangte, lurking inside the box, made no mistake, tapping into an empty net to open the scoring.
Doubling the Advantage
The second goal followed in the 29th minute, and once again it was Wangkheirakpam at the heart of the move. His searing pace down the wing left Maldives defenders scrambling. This time he squared a low ball into the area, and Manavathi muscled his way past Ibrahim Avsam Abdulla before firing home.
At 2–0, the Blue Colts were cruising, while Maldives offered little resistance. The islanders’ attacking efforts were limited to speculative long-range strikes from Aakif Bin Mohammed and Aidh Mohammed Jaweez, neither of which troubled India’s goalkeeper Manashjyoti Barua.
Relentless Second-Half Surge
If the first half was a demonstration of India’s control, the second half was a showcase of their attacking flair. Just four minutes after the restart, in the 49th minute, Wangkheirakpam turned provider again. Linking up with captain Denny Singh Wangkhem, he sent in a cross that Kamgouhao Doungel met with power, blasting the ball high into the roof of the net.
Nine minutes later, the provider turned scorer. Wangkhem dispossessed a Maldives midfielder high up the pitch and slid the ball into Wangkheirakpam’s path. Bursting into the penalty area, the winger unleashed a thunderous left-foot strike across the goalkeeper and into the far corner. It was the goal his all-action performance richly deserved.
By this stage, Maldives’ defence was in complete disarray, unable to cope with India’s pressing or their fluid movement in the final third.
Gangte Completes His Brace
The onslaught continued. In the 68th minute, substitute Rahan Ahmed was bundled over inside the penalty area by a desperate Maldives defence. The referee pointed straight to the spot, and Gangte stepped up with composure, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to make it 5–0. That strike capped a fine evening for the striker, who not only grabbed a brace but also led the line with intelligence, constantly pressing from the front and linking play effectively with the midfielders.
Even with the match firmly decided, India refused to take their foot off the pedal. Four minutes from time, they added a sixth. Right-back Azlaan Shah Kh, who had been lively since coming on, delivered a delightful cross into the area. Substitute forward Aazim Parveez Najar timed his run perfectly and glanced a precise header into the far corner. It was the perfect conclusion to a near-perfect team performance.
Teamwork and Tactical Discipline
While the scoreline will naturally draw attention to India’s attacking exploits, Fernandes will be equally pleased with his team’s defensive structure and discipline. Centre-backs Shubham Poonia and Konthoujam Korou Meitei dealt with the few threats that came their way, while the full-backs pushed forward effectively without compromising their defensive duties.
The midfield engine of Denny Singh Wangkhem and Hrishikesh Manavathi provided the ideal balance between creativity and control, while the wingers – particularly Wangkheirakpam – tormented the Maldives defence throughout.
Strong Start to Title Defence
India, the reigning champions, have made a habit of starting SAFF youth tournaments strongly, and this was no different. Fernandes, who has overseen several age-group triumphs in the region, emphasized before the tournament the need for his players to set the tone early. Against Maldives, they did exactly that. The 6–0 victory not only boosts India’s goal difference but also serves notice to their Group B rivals that the defending champions remain the team to beat. With confidence sky-high and attacking options firing on all cylinders, the Blue Colts will aim to carry this momentum into the upcoming fixtures.
Looking Ahead
India’s next group-stage match will be crucial in determining their path to the semifinals, but for now, Fernandes and his staff will take pride in a performance that ticked every box – attacking flair, defensive solidity, and clinical finishing. For the players, it was an evening where individuals shone brightly, but more importantly, where the collective produced a complete team display. From Gangte’s brace to Wangkheirakpam’s dazzling wing play, and from the midfield control to the substitutes making an impact, India showcased depth, quality, and hunger.
As they march ahead in Colombo, the Blue Colts have already set the benchmark for the tournament. If this opener is anything to go by, India’s quest for another SAFF U17 crown looks well on track.
Final Score: India 6–0 Maldives
Goals: Gangte (12’, 68’ pen), Manavathi (29’), Doungel (49’), Wangkheirakpam (58’), Najar (86’)
