With a loss to hosts Bangladesh in their last group game, defending champions, India, were under pressure to beat Nepal in the semi-final of the SAFF U16 Championship a couple of days ago which they duly did. A well-taken goal by Rahim Ali was enough to overcome the Nepal U16s in the semi-final. The victory sealed a spot in the final against Bangladesh who beat Afghanistan in the other semi-final by a solitary goal.

 

The India U16s will play the final of the U16 SAFF Championship today (18th August) at the Sylhet District Stadium in Sylhet, Bangladesh. However, the Indians will have to do much better against the hosts than they did in the previous group tie in addition to dealing with the vociferous home crowd.

Bangladesh coach, Syed Golam Zilani, stressed the home field advantage ahead of today’s game. “We know final is a different ball game and India are tactically and technically sound, but in front of of the home crowd, we are ready to put the best and win the title” said Zilani. Meanwhile India coach, Biththan Singh, was upbeat about India’s chances of retaining the title. “We are not afraid of the hosts, we have certain plans for them and if we can implement it, we will win the title,” said the Indian coach.

To read the semi-final match report, click here.

Here’s a video highlight of India’s goal in the semi-final (courtesy Football News India):