Colombo, Sept. 16 -- India U17 men's football team began their SAFF U17 Championship 2025 title defence in commanding fashion with a 6-0 victory over Maldives in their opening Group B match at Racecourse International Stadium here today.
The Blue Colts dominated from the start, combining high pressing, fluid passing, and constant wing play to dismantle the Maldives defence. Dallalmuon Gangte scored twice, while Hrishikesh Charan Manavathi, Kamgouhao Doungel, Wangkheirakpam Gunleiba, and Aazim Parveez Najar also found the net.
India opened the scoring in the 12th minute through Gangte after a clever dummy by Manavathi set him up. The lead doubled in the 29th minute when Manavathi converted a low cross from Wangkheirakpam. The Maldives stru...