Blue Colts shine, Manipuri Youngsters Steal the Show in 8-0 Thrashing of Sri Lanka at SAFF U19 Championship
The Indian U-19 football team announced their arrival at the SAFF U-19 Championship 2025 in emphatic fashion, thrashing Sri Lanka 8-0 in their Group B opener at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh.
It was a performance that sent a strong message to regional rivals — and one that celebrated the rising influence of Manipuri footballers on India’s youth setup.
From the opening whistle, India were relentless. Within 17 minutes, Prashan Jajo curled in the opener, and what followed was a 90-minute masterclass in domination, flair, and finishing.
Danny Meitei Laishram, the standout performer of the day, bagged a sensational hat-trick — striking in the 26th, 31st, and 50th minutes — showcasing his ability to score in a variety of ways, from a poacher’s header to a long-range screamer.
Manipuri Magic Lights Up Itanagar
What stood out the most in this dominant win was the contribution from India’s Manipuri contingent. Of the eight goals scored, seven came from players hailing from Manipur, once again underscoring the northeastern state’s position as a powerhouse of Indian football talent.
Alongside Meitei’s hat-trick, Prashan Jajo scored twice, while Md Arbash, Omang Dodum (a local hero from Arunachal), and Singamayum Shami added their names to the scoresheet. Shami, the team captain, dazzled in the 81st minute with a sensational solo goal, dribbling past two defenders and squeezing the ball past the Sri Lankan keeper from a tight angle.
Indian Coach couldn’t have asked for a better start to the campaign. His starting XI was filled with hungry, technically sharp players — several of whom have already been earmarked as future prospects for the senior national team.
Breakdown of India’s Goals
- 17’ – Prashan Jajo curls one in from the left to get India going.
- 26’ – Danny Meitei rises highest to head in from an inch-perfect cross by Omang Dodum.
- 31’ – Danny strikes again — this time a thunderous effort from 25 yards out.
- 40’ – Md Arbash taps in from close range after a scramble in the box.
- 48’ – Omang Dodum nutmegs the Sri Lankan goalkeeper to score in front of a roaring home crowd.
- 50’ – Danny Meitei completes his hat-trick, finishing a well-worked move.
- 62’ – Prashan Jajo slides home his second after linking well with Sohum Utreja.
- 81’ – Singamayum Shami glides past defenders to seal an unforgettable night.
Sri Lanka Left Searching for Answers
For Sri Lanka, the night was a disaster from start to finish. The young Lions looked unprepared, disorganized, and physically off the pace. Their midfield was overrun, and the defensive line was repeatedly exposed, leaving their goalkeeper facing wave after wave of Indian attacks.
The team failed to register a single meaningful attempt on goal, and their defensive errors were punished ruthlessly.
Substitutions made no tactical difference, and fitness levels appeared lacking. Their next clash against Nepal on May 11 now becomes a must-win if they hope to remain in contention.
This result raises urgent questions about the Sri Lankan youth football system — from preparation levels and coaching structures to the glaring lack of match fitness and tactical planning. Unless the federation takes immediate corrective steps, the gulf between Sri Lanka and the region’s top sides is likely to widen further.
India’s U-19 SAFF Record and the Road Ahead
This edition marks the third SAFF U-19 Championship, and India have already tasted glory. They were champions in 2023, defeating Pakistan in a thrilling final in Nepal. In the inaugural edition back in 2015, India lost to Nepal in a penalty shootout in Kathmandu.
With momentum on their side and a group of in-form attackers, India will look to extend their unbeaten run when they face Nepal on May 13. That match will test the Blue Colts’ composure and consistency, especially given Nepal’s solid track record at youth level.
Starting XI vs Sri Lanka
- Goalkeeper: Aheibam Suraj Singh
- Defenders: Jodric Abranches, Sumit Sharma Brahmacharimayum, Singamayum Shami, Omang Dodum
- Midfielders: Md Arbash, Chaphamayum Rohen Singh, Malemngamba Singh Thokchom
- Forwards: Danny Meitei Laishram, Sohum Utreja, Prashan Jajo
The XI featured five Manipuri players, all of whom played significant roles, reflecting the strong pipeline of talent from the region.
India’s 8-0 demolition of Sri Lanka wasn’t just about three points — it was a statement of intent. With attacking cohesion, defensive discipline, and dazzling individual brilliance, the Blue Colts proved they are the team to beat in this year’s tournament.
The emergence of players like Meitei, Jajo, and Shami also bodes well for Indian football’s future, particularly with the 2026 AFC U-20 qualifiers on the horizon.
As the tournament progresses, fans will hope this momentum continues — and that the golden generation from Manipur and the Northeast continues to blaze a trail for the rest of the nation to follow.
