In South Asian Football Federation, SAFF Under-20 Championship, defending champions India began their campaign with a commanding 3-nil win over Pakistan at the National Football Stadium in Male, Maldives, today, eliminating their rivals from the tournament.

 

India took an early lead in the 3rd minute through Vishal Yadav, who finished off a precise through-ball from Gurnaj Singh Grewal. After withstanding brief pressure from Pakistan late in the first half, India tightened control in the second.

 

Omang Dodum extended the lead in the 64th minute with a header and later sealed the victory with a penalty in the 88th minute after Prashan Jajo was fouled inside the box.

 

Pakistan, already beaten by Bangladesh, crashed out after their second consecutive loss. India and Bangladesh have now progressed to the semifinals, with their upcoming clash set to decide the Group B topper.