The Indian men’s team beat Nepal 4-2 in the semifinal of the ongoing SAFF U-17 Championship at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu on Saturday to reach a second-consecutive final.
Midfielder Vishal Yadav starred with a brace showing brilliant instinct in front of goal. In the 61st minute, a cross came in from the right side to find Sumit Sharma, who tried his luck with a header.
The Nepal ‘keeper made a save but failed to collect the ball. Vishal was there to pass the ball through the ‘keeper’s legs and into the net to give India the lead.
Just a few minutes later, Vishal doubled the lead for India in a similar fashion. A ball was floated in from a freekick and it was Sumit, who went for a header once again. The goalkeeper made a save, but Vishal was there to slot in the rebound.
Nepal was determined as Subash Bam completed a team move, against the run of play, to get his side back into the game in the 83rd minute.
However, India added another goal to its tally courtesy of substitute N. Rishi Singh to restore the two-goal cushion. Nepal answered back immediately thanks to an own goal from a corner kick.
Hemneichung ensured there were no late nerves as India secured its ticket to the final with the team’s fourth goal after a clinical finish in stoppage time.
The defending champion will face either Pakistan or Bangladesh. The teams will face each other later in the day.
