KATHMANDU, Sept 27: India has thrashed the Maldives in the second semi-final match reaching the finals of ongoing SAFF U-18 Championship 2019.
In the semi-final match played at APF Stadium in Halchowk, Kathmandu, India defeated the Maldives by 4 against 0 goals.
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Indian striker Narender Gahlot provided an early lead to his side in the 7th minute who guided the ball to the Maldivian post through his header utilizing a corner kick. Muhammed Rafi in the injury time (45 +1’) of the first half, scored yet another goal for India making it 2-0.
In the one-sided affair, Manvir Singh in the 79th minute converted the opportunity into the goal no sooner had the Maldivian goalkeeper spilled the ball.
The fourth goal in the 81st minute came from Ninthoi as he volleyed the ball in from outside the box to make it 4-0.
India will take on Bangladesh on September 29 at 3 pm for the title of the tournament. In the first semi-final match played earlier on Friday, Bangladesh defeated Bhutan 3-0.
Defending champion Nepal, however, was knocked out from the group stage after having suffered a humiliating 0-3 loss against Bhutan. Earlier, in the opening match of the tournament, Nepal-Maldives played a 1-1 goal draw.
