India Dominates Sri Lanka in SAFF U19 Championship Opener with 8-0 Victory
India's Impressive Start in SAFF U19 Championship
Yupia (Arunachal Pradesh) [India], May 10: India launched their title defense in the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) U19 Championship with an emphatic 8-0 win against Sri Lanka during their Group B match at the Golden Jubilee Stadium.
The match featured a standout performance from Danny Meitei Laishram, who scored a hat-trick (26', 31', 50')—the first of the tournament. Prashan Jajo also shone with two goals (17', 62'), while Md Arbash (40'), Omang Dodum (48'), and captain Singamayum Shami (81') each contributed to the scoreline, as reported by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
With enthusiastic support from the home crowd, this marked the inaugural international football event in Arunachal Pradesh. From the outset, India displayed their dominance with precise passing, smart movement, and relentless pressure, leaving Sri Lanka struggling to keep up.
The Indian midfield, characterized by its discipline and composure, controlled the game's pace with effective distribution, while the forwards exploited Sri Lanka's disorganized defense. Arbash and Rohen Singh were particularly dangerous on the flanks, creating numerous scoring opportunities.
The scoring began in the 17th minute when Prashan Jajo sprinted down the left side, outpacing his defender and scoring from a tight angle. Just nine minutes later, a miscalculated backpass from Sri Lanka allowed Omang Dodum to seize the opportunity and deliver a precise cross to Danny, who scored with a well-timed header.
India extended their lead to 3-0 in the 31st minute when Danny unleashed a powerful left-footed shot from 21 yards that left Sri Lanka's goalkeeper, Nadal Aaron Senapala, helpless. Before halftime, Danny assisted Arbash, who scored easily after a clever header from Jajo.
The second half continued with the same vigor. Omang Dodum scored in the 48th minute, showcasing his footwork to beat his defender and slot the ball through Senapala's legs. Shortly after, Danny completed his hat-trick, taking advantage of a defensive blunder from Omith Edirisinghe to finish from close range, making it 6-0.
In the 62nd minute, Jajo scored his second goal after Senapala mishandled a routine header from captain Singamayum Shami, allowing Jajo to tap in. The final goal came from Shami himself in the 81st minute, as he skillfully maneuvered past two defenders before finishing from a tight angle.
This commanding win by India sent a strong message—solid defensively, fluid in midfield, and deadly in attack. With the crowd energized and spirits high in the rain-soaked hills of Yupia, the Blue Colts have established themselves as strong contenders to defend their SAFF U19 title.
India U19: Aheibam Suraj Singh (GK), Jodric Abranches, Sumit Sharma Brahmacharimayum, Singamayum Shami (C), Omang Dodum (Bharat Lairenjam 59'), Md Arbash (Gurnaj Singh Grewal 80'), Chaphamayum Rohen Singh (Ahongshangbam Samson 59'), Malemngamba Singh Thokchom, Danny Meitei Laishram (Ningthoukhongjam Rishi Singh 59'), Sohum Utreja, Prashan Jajo (Yohaan Benjamin 69').