Colombo, Sep 14: Indian boys' football team clinched the SAFF U-17 Championship title after defeating a 10-man Nepal 4-0 in the final at the Racecourse International Stadium, here on Wednesday. Boby Singh, Korou Singh, captain Vanlalpeka Guite, and Aman scored a goal each, to shape a resounding victory in India's favour. With this win, India retained the title, which was previously labelled as the SAFF U-15 Championship.https://www.latestly.com/socially/sports/football/durand-cup-2022-bipin-singhs-late-strike-helps-mumbai-city-beat-mohammedan-sc-to-seal-spot-in-final-4205080.html
Guite was in the thick of things again 12 minutes later, getting another assist to his name, as he played a through ball to Korou Singh, who just had to round the keeper and slot it home. The second goal meant that Nepal began attacking the Indian half with a lot more urgency, but the Indian midfield was managing to frustrate their efforts.
The frustration came to the surface on the 39th minute, when Nepal captain Prashant Laksam elbowed Danny Laishram on the back after the two tangled up in a challenge - an action that was straightaway awarded with a red card by the referee. With the man advantage, India saw out the rest of the first half, before resuming the proceedings after the change of ends. Soon enough, Guite, who had earlier provided two assists, netted a goal of his own in the 63rd minute, when his cross from the left swerved into the top corner, handing India a three-goal lead.
India captain Vanlalpeka Guite was named the Most Valuable Player of the Tournament, while goalkeeper Sahil won the Best Goalkeeper awards. "I am extremely proud of my boys. There has been a lot of hard work put in, and every support staff, and player deserves equal credit," said head coach Bibiano Fernandes. "The efforts put in by AIFF at the youth level by providing us continuous exposure tours with help from SAI has helped the boys mature," he added.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 15, 2022 11:15 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).