India Secures Spot in SAFF U19 Championship Final with 3-0 Win Over Maldives

In a thrilling match at the SAFF U19 Championship, India's team showcased their dominance with a 3-0 victory over Maldives. Goals from Danny Meitei, Omang Dodum, and Prashan Jajo led the way as India maintained their perfect record. The match, played in challenging weather conditions, highlighted India's tactical prowess and teamwork. With this win, they advance to face Bangladesh in the final. Read on to discover how India secured their spot and the key moments from the match.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 17, 2025, 08:14 IST

India Dominates Maldives to Reach Final

Yupia (Arunachal Pradesh) [India], May 17: The defending champions, India, have advanced to the final of the SAFF U19 Championship 2025 after a decisive 3-0 victory against Maldives. The match took place at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia, where a passionate home crowd witnessed the action amidst heavy rain, according to the official AIFF website.

Goals from Danny Meitei Laishram (14'), Omang Dodum (21'), and Prashan Jajo (66') paved the way for India's smooth progression to the title match, maintaining their flawless record with both wins and clean sheets.

In the final, India will face the Bangladesh U19 team, who triumphed over Nepal with a score of 2-1 in the earlier semi-final.

From the beginning, India displayed sharpness and control, dominating possession and dictating the pace of the game. They consistently pressured the Maldives, launching numerous attacks that kept the opposition pinned in their half.

The first goal came in the 14th minute from a well-executed corner. Prashan Jajo delivered a precise ball from the left, which Danny Meitei volleyed into the net with his left foot, marking his fifth goal of the tournament.

Just six minutes later, India doubled their lead through excellent teamwork. Jajo, once again instrumental, raced down the left flank and delivered a ball over the Maldives defense. Meitei smartly assisted local hero Omang Dodum, who scored from close range, giving India a comfortable 2-0 lead at halftime.

Although Maldives had shown some attacking potential in earlier matches, they struggled to penetrate India's defense. Whenever they managed to shoot, goalkeeper Suraj Singh Aheibam was there to thwart their efforts.

In the second half, India tactically outmaneuvered Maldives, denying them time and space to mount a comeback. Anticipating their aggressive approach after the break, India effectively closed down passing lanes.

As the rain intensified, making conditions challenging, India capitalized on a goalkeeping blunder. In the 65th minute, Jajo struck a powerful shot from outside the box, which Maldives goalkeeper Xahran Hassan Ziyad misjudged, allowing the ball to slip through his hands and sealing the match at 3-0.

Despite a few late attempts from Maldives to score, India's defense held firm, concluding another solid performance.