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Omang Dodum brace and Vishal Yadav strike give India 3-0 win over Pakistan in SAFF U20 Championship as Blue Colts reach semifinals and next face Bangladesh.
India 3-0 win over Pakistan in SAFF U20 Championship (AIFF)
A second-half brace from Omang Dodum guided India to a convincing 3-0 victory over Pakistan in their opening Group B match of the SAFF U20 Championship, securing a semifinal berth here on Thursday.
Dodum scored in the 64th and 88th minutes after Vishal Yadav had given the Blue Colts an early lead in the third minute.
The win not only ensured a perfect start for India but also confirmed their place in the semi-finals. Pakistan, having suffered defeats in both their matches following a loss to Bangladesh two days earlier, are now eliminated from the competition.
The top spot in Group B will be decided when India face Bangladesh on Saturday.
How India Beat Pakistan?
India started on the front foot and created a chance within two minutes. Vishal Yadav surged down the right flank and sent a dangerous cross into the box for Omang Dodum, but the forward was unable to convert.
The breakthrough came moments later. Spotting Yadav’s run, Gurnaj Singh Grewal lofted a ball over the Pakistan defence. The winger controlled it well and took a shot that was initially blocked, but he reacted quickly to the rebound and finished with his left foot at the near post to give India an early advantage.
The goal boosted India’s confidence, but Pakistan gradually settled into the contest and began to test the Indian defence. They came close to equalising twice, only to be denied by goalkeeper Suraj Singh Aheibam, who produced a couple of excellent saves.
Pakistan’s missed opportunities proved costly after the break, as India doubled their lead with a swift counter-attack.
Samson Ahongshangbam carried the ball out from defence into the left channel before switching play with a precise cross to Rishi Singh Ninthoukhongjam. Rishi laid it off for Dodum, who reached the ball before goalkeeper Zulqurnain and headed home in the 64th minute.
With a two-goal cushion, India controlled the tempo while Pakistan searched for a way back into the game. The Indian defence remained compact and disciplined, limiting Pakistan’s chances.
In the 88th minute, Muhammad Junaid brought down Prashan Jajo inside the penalty area, prompting referee Virendha Rai to award a spot-kick. Dodum stepped up and converted with a powerful strike, completing his brace and putting the result beyond doubt.
The comprehensive win gives India early momentum in the tournament, with the Blue Colts now set to face Bangladesh in their final Group B fixture.
(With inputs from Agencies)
March 27, 2026, 07:01 IST
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