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The India U-15 colts continued their winning run with a 2-1 victory over hosts Nepal in their second group stage encounter of the SAFF U-15 Championship today, August 23 at the ANFA Complex, Satdobato in Lalitpur, Nepal. Vikram and Ravi scored on either side of half-time to notch up the win while Roshan scored the lone goal for the hosts.
India looked to dominate from the word go with Lalrokima’s header striking the crossbar in the 4th minute of play. Ravi hit it over the bar from his free kick while Givson’s effort went straight to the keeper’s hands as the boys piled on the pressure. The breakthrough arrived in the 26th minute when Vikram struck beautifully to end the deadlock.
India could have scored more but they were unlucky to find the back of the net Bekey’s shot being saved and Lalrokima’s header once again finding the cross bar. Just when it seemed India would run away with the game, Nepal earned a penalty in the 40th minute. Roshan’s shot was saved by goalkeeper Jongte but the Nepali skipper scored from the rebound to restore parity as the teams headed level into half-time.
India could have got back their lead right at the start of the first half but Bekey made shot wide from inside the box. A scrappy passage of play ensued before Ravi scored off Givson’s free kick to give India back the lead in the 65th minute. Thoiba could have put the game to bed but he unluckily headed it wide within the 6-yard box.
Aenam and Ricky S both saw their efforts being saved as India pressed on for the third goal. Nepal tried to hit back on the counter but Jongte was on hand to pull off a good save in the 89th minute. With that went all hopes of Nepal tying the contest as India held on to secure victory and become group toppers.
Group B toppers India U-15 next face Group A runners-up Bhutan U-15 in the second semifinal of the SAFF U-15 Championship on Friday, August 25.
