India put six past Maldives in SAFF U17 championship opener

India’s U-17 men’s national team launched their SAFF U-17 Championship title defence in dominant style, dismantling Maldives 6-0 in their opening Group B clash at the Racecourse International Stadium on Tuesday. The Blue Colts, coached by Bibiano Fernandes, were relentless from the outset, pressing high, switching play with precision, and cutting open the Maldivian defence at will. Their clinical attacking display underlined championship intent, with five different players getting on the scoresheet.

Dallalmuon Gangte led the charge with a brace (12’, 68’ pen), while Hrishikesh Charan Manavathi (29’), Kamgouhao Doungel (49’), Wangkheirakpam Gunleiba (58’), and Aazim Parveez Najar (86’) added to the tally in what proved a one-sided contest. The tone was set early. In the 12th minute, Wangkheirakpam Gunleiba, who was a constant menace on the left flank, beat his marker and whipped in a teasing cross. Hrishikesh cleverly dummied the ball, leaving Gangte to slot home with ease. Seventeen minutes later, Wangkheirakpam turned provider again, squaring a low cross that Manavathi bundled in despite close marking from Maldives’ Ibrahim Avsam Abdulla. Maldives struggled to find any rhythm, restricted to speculative efforts from Aakif Bin Mohammed and Aidh Mohammed Jaweez. India’s pressing game left them pinned deep in their own half for much of the contest.

The second half only compounded Maldives’ misery. In the 49th minute, Wangkheirakpam registered his third assist of the evening, teeing up Kamgouhao Doungel, who smashed his effort into the roof of the net. Moments later, Wangkheirakpam himself got on the scoresheet, latching onto a high press from Denny Singh Wangkhem before drilling a powerful strike into the far corner to make it 4-0. Gangte calmly converted a penalty in the 68th minute to complete his brace, and substitute Aazim Parveez Najar applied the finishing touch in the 86th with a composed strike, sealing an emphatic 6-0 triumph.

India’s display was as much about discipline at the back as it was about attacking flair. The Blue Colts’ defensive unit snuffed out every Maldivian move, ensuring goalkeeper Aiman Kachroo had a quiet evening. With this statement win, India sit comfortably atop Group B and have once again showcased why they remain favourites to retain the SAFF U-17 crown.