India U19 to face Maldives in SAFF U19 Championship semi-final after dominant wins over Sri Lanka and Nepal. Coach Bibiano and winger Rohen Singh vow to give 200% as India aims for the title with teamwork and focus.
With two dominant victories and twelve goals without conceding, India’s U19 football team has made a resounding statement in the ongoing SAFF U19 Championship 2025. Led by coach Bibiano Fernandes, the Blue Colts topped Group B after a commanding 4-0 win against Nepal, having earlier crushed Sri Lanka 8-0 in their opening game.
One of the standout performers from India’s latest win was winger Chaphamayum Rohen Singh, who stole the spotlight by scoring a brilliant brace — his first official goals for the national team. Though Rohen had found the net during friendly matches in Europe in 2023, the Nepal clash marked his competitive breakthrough. “I feel amazing to score two goals,” Rohen said. “After the first, I felt more confident and wanted to score more. We will give our 200% in the semi-final.”
India will face Maldives, the Group A runners-up, in the semi-final on Friday. Group A leaders Bangladesh will take on Nepal in the other semi-final.
Coach Bibiano Fernandes praised his squad’s composure and commitment, particularly in the face of Nepal’s early pressure. “They came out aggressively, but our boys showed hunger and desire. Once we got the goal, we settled into our rhythm,” said Fernandes. He emphasized maintaining focus as the team eyes the trophy, stating, “What matters is our approach. We treat every match with equal seriousness.”
After sealing top spot, the Indian squad held a training and recovery session under rain at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Naharlagun on Wednesday morning. Despite the wet weather, spirits were high as the players prepared for the Maldives match.
The tournament’s current top scorer, Danny Meitei Laishram, added another goal to his tally against Nepal, making it four in total following his hat-trick versus Sri Lanka. Striker Omang Dodum, who also found the net for the second time in the tournament, echoed the team’s united front. “We just follow the coach’s plan and don’t underestimate any opponent. We’ll stick to our strategy against Maldives,” said Dodum.
Fernandes lauded the overall team effort, saying, “Danny is scoring, but it’s a result of how well the entire team is playing. Everyone deserves credit.”
With their eyes set on the final, the Blue Colts are ready to give everything on the pitch, backed by home support and a belief in their collective strength.
