India beat Pakistan in SAFF U20 C’ship opener to book semi-final spot India produced a dominant performance to beat Pakistan 3-0 in their opening Group B match of the SAFF U20 Championship on Thursday to book their place in the semi-finals with a game to spare. Striker Omang Dodum shone in the second half, finding the net in the 64th and 88th minutes after Vishal Yadav had put India ahead in the third minute. The win gave India a perfect start and confirmed their progress to the knockout stage. Meanwhile, Pakistan crashed out of the tournament after suffering their second straight defeat, having previously lost to Bangladesh. India will now take on Bangladesh on Saturday in a match that will decide the Group B winners. India started aggressively and almost opened the scoring within two minutes. Vishal Yadav broke down the right wing and sent a threatening cross for Dodum, but the chance was wasted. The opening goal came soon after. Gurnaj Singh Grewal spotted Yadav’s run and bowled the ball over the defence. Yadav controlled it well and saw his initial effort blocked, but he reacted quickly to hit the rebound with his left foot at the near post. The early breakthrough boosted India’s confidence even as Pakistan grew into the game and began to test the defence. Twice they came close to leveling the scores, but goalkeeper Suraj Singh Aheibam denied them two crucial saves. India took advantage of these missed chances in the second half and doubled their lead with a quick counter-attack. Samson Ahongshangbam carried the ball forward from defense before flipping the play to Rishi Singh Ninthoukhongjam. Rishi then set up Dodum, who beat goalkeeper Zulqurnain to the ball and headed home. With a two-wicket lead, India controlled the proceedings as Pakistan looked for a response. The Indian back line remained organized and limited further threats. In the closing stages, Muhammad Junaid fouled Prashan Jajo inside the box and referee Virendha Rai awarded a penalty. Dodum stepped up and converted emphatically in the 88th minute to complete his riot and seal the result. The convincing win gives India a strong boost going into the final group game against Bangladesh.
