By a Staff Reporter
The defending champions and host India registered its first victory in the ongoing SAFF U20 Championship. India defeated Sri Lanka 4-0 in its second match of the championship.
The first half ended in a goalless draw in a high intensity match. India then scored four goals after the break. Parthib Sundar Gongoi scored a brace whereas Himanshu Jangra and Gurkirat Singh scored a goal each to secure the home side’s victory. India created one-sided pressure throughout the match. Despite creating some opportunities in the counter attack, Sri Lanka could not score.
India took the lead in the 50th minute of the match through Jangra’s header. He utilized Gongoi’s cross from the right flank. India doubled its lead in the 69th minute. Gongoi smashed the ball from inside the penalty area excellently controlling Jangra’s long pass.
Likewise, in the 74th minute, Jangra’s shot was handled by a Sri Lankan defender and the referee awarded India with a penalty. Singh didn’t make any mistake from the spot and ensured India’s victory.
Gongoi scored his second of the game in injury time. He easily converted the ball assisted by Singh which increased their goal tally to four.
With this win, India has collected its first point in the championship. India now has 3 points from 2 matches. Nepal and Bangladesh are in the top two positions with 6 points each from 2 matches. Nepal is ahead due to goal difference.
Following the defeat, Sri Lanka was out of the title challenge as they could not add any points from 3 matches played. They are yet to play against Maldives who are also suffering to add any points from two matches played. Maldives and Bangladesh are competing in the second match of the day.
After the completion of the round robin, the top two teams will face each other in the finals. Nepal will now play against India on 31st July and Bangladesh on 2nd August. The final will be held on August 5.
