In the South Asian Football Federation, SAFF Under-20 Championship, defending champion India began their campaign with a commanding 3-nil win over Pakistan at the National Football Stadium in Male, Maldives, yesterday. The win helped India move into the semi-finals of the Championship, while knocking out rivals Pakistan, who had lost 2-0 to Bangladesh in their opening match of the tournament.
India took an early lead in the 3rd minute through Vishal Yadav, who finished off a precise through-ball from Gurnaj Singh Grewal. After withstanding brief pressure from Pakistan late in the first half, India tightened control in the second half. Omang Dodum extended the lead in the 64th minute with a header and later sealed the victory with a penalty in the 88th minute after Prashan Jajo was fouled inside the box.
India will take on Bangladesh, their only other opponent in Group B, in the semi-finals tomorrow.
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