Malé, March 27: India secured a stunning 3-0 victory against Pakistan in their opening match of the 2026 SAFF Under-20 Championship. The standout player was Omang Dodum, who scored two goals in the second half (64th and 88th minutes). This match, held at the National Football Stadium in Malé, confirmed the ‘Blue Colts’ place in the semifinals, eliminating Pakistan from the tournament.
With this impressive win, the Indian team has advanced smoothly to the knockout stage. They will face Bangladesh on March 28 to conclude their group stage campaign.
This victory gives India an early advantage in the tournament. They need just one point to secure the top spot in their group and a semifinal matchup against the Group A runners-up.
India started aggressively, creating a chance within two minutes. Vishal Yadav surged down the right flank and delivered a dangerous cross into the box for Omang Dodum, but the forward could not convert. In the third minute, Gurnaz Singh displayed great awareness with a precise through ball into the box.
Success came shortly after. Anticipating Yadav’s run, Gurnaz Singh Grewal lobbed the ball over Pakistan’s defense. The winger controlled it well and attempted a shot, which was blocked. However, he reacted quickly to the rebound and scored with his left foot at the near post, giving India an early lead.
This goal boosted India’s confidence, but Pakistan gradually settled into the match and began testing the Indian defense. They came close to equalizing on two occasions, but goalkeeper Suraj Singh Aheibam made crucial saves.
First, Khobab Khan lifted a ball for Najibullah, who outmaneuvered Roshan Singh Thangjam. Just as he prepared to shoot, Suraj rushed out and made a timely intervention to deny the goal. Moments later, Najibullah headed the ball towards Khan, but once again, the Pakistani striker’s effort was thwarted by the Indian goalkeeper.
Despite several opportunities for Pakistan to equalize in the first half, the Indian defense and goalkeeper Suraj Aheibam stood firm, preventing any goals. These missed chances proved costly for Pakistan.
In the second half, India doubled their lead with a swift counterattack. Samson Ahongshangbam carried the ball out of defense to the left and delivered a precise cross to Rishi Singh Ninthoukhongjam. Rishi passed the ball to Dodum, who reached it before goalkeeper Zulqurnain and headed it into the net in the 64th minute.
With a two-goal advantage, India maintained control of the game while Pakistan struggled to find a way back. The Indian defense remained strong and disciplined, limiting Pakistan’s opportunities.
As the match neared its conclusion, India sealed their victory. In the 88th minute, Muhammad Junaid fouled Prashant Jajo inside the penalty area, prompting referee Virendra Rai to award a penalty kick to India. Dodum stepped up and struck a powerful shot into the net, marking his second goal of the match and ensuring India’s victory.
Arpit Soni has had a passion for journalism since the beginning. Now he has turned this hobby into his profession. Arpit, who is a resident of Udaipur, enjoys editing and writing news related to journalism. He has worked as a Senior Content Producer in several important roles at Bhaskar, Patrika, Pratahkal, Punjab Kesari, and Times. Arpit completed his schooling in Udaipur and Jaipur. He has been working in the media industry for more than 10 years, and his journey is still continuing. ✍️📚
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