In a dominant display, the India U-17 men’s national team secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Nepal, advancing to the final of the SAFF U-17 Championship 2025. The semi-final, held at the Racecourse International Stadium on Thursday, showcased the defending champions’ ability to turn their superiority into goals, setting up a final clash against Bangladesh, who had earlier defeated Pakistan 2-0.
Wangkheirakpam Gunleiba (61’), along with substitutes Azlaan Shah Kh (80’) and Diamond Singh Thokchom (90+4’), scored to secure India’s fourth consecutive win in the tournament.
How India Beat Nepal In Semi-Final?
Although the first half ended goalless, it did not reflect India’s dominance and composure. Demonstrating maturity beyond their years, India orchestrated attacks with smart distribution
and wide play, keeping Nepal under pressure. The primary concern for head coach Bibiano Fernandes was the lack of clinical finishing, which prevented them from establishing a comfortable lead before the break.
India’s first significant chance came during a scramble in the box when Wangkheirakpam Gunleiba’s shot was blocked by a Nepal defender. This chance ignited a sense of urgency among the Indian players. Soon after, Md Aimaan delivered a delightful cross from the left to Dallalmuon Gangte, who, however, could not capitalise on it.
Defensively, India was solid. The midfield closed down spaces efficiently, and the backline cut off passing channels, leaving Nepal to attempt long-range shots. One such attempt by Pratis Thapa Magar, a powerful drive from the edge of the box, forced a full-stretch save from goalkeeper Manashjyoti Baruah.
Just before halftime, India nearly scored. A cross from the left caught the Nepal goalkeeper off his line, but Kamgouhao Doungel’s hesitation to shoot first time allowed the Nepal defence to clear.
The breakthrough came in the 61st minute when Denny Singh Wangkhem sent a low ball from the right into the Nepal penalty area. Gangte’s clever dummy wrong-footed the entire defence and goalkeeper, leaving Gunleiba to calmly slot the ball home, breaking Nepal’s resistance.
The second goal arrived in the 80th minute through a classic counter-attack. Substitute Azlaan Shah received a pass on the left and surged forward with blistering pace. A sharp change of direction left his marker stumbling before he unleashed a spectacular strike into the net.
India sealed the match in stoppage time when Gunleiba’s low cross bypassed the Nepal defence, allowing substitute Diamond Singh Thokchom to tap in from close range, completing a clinical performance and sparking wild celebrations in the Indian camp.
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