Defending champions India will lock horns with Nepal in the SAFF U-17 Championship 2022 final at the Racecourse International Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka on Wednesday, September 14. The match will kick off at 8:00 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Under head coach Bibiano Fernandes, the India U-17 men’s football team defeated Bangladesh 2-1 in the first semi-final to secure their place in the summit clash.
Striker Thanglalsoun Gangte netted a brace in the 51st and 59th minutes of the game to help India reach another SAFF U-17 Championship final. For Bangladesh, Mirajul Islam converted a penalty in the 61st minute, which turned out to be a consolation goal.
The Indian colts started their SAFF U-17 Championship 2022 campaign with an impressive 3-0 win over Bhutan in their opening Group B clash. However, Bibiano Fernandes’ boys suffered a 1-3 defeat against Nepal in their second group match of the tournament.
With three points from two matches, India qualified for the semi-finals after finishing second in the Group B standings.
On the other hand, Nepal stormed into the SAFF U-17 Championship 2022 final after thrashing hosts Sri Lanka 6-0 in their semi-final clash on Monday.
The Upendra Man Singh-coached Nepal have been the most dominant team in the tournament so far. The Nepal U-17 men’s football team secured a 2-1 win over Bhutan in their opening Group B clash before registering a commanding victory against reigning champions India. Having registered two scintillating victories, Nepal qualified for the final four after finishing at the top of the Group B standings with six points from two matches.
India have won the SAFF U-17 Championship title three times previously in 2013, 2017 and 2019, beating Nepal in all three finals. While India pipped Nepal 1-0 in the 2013 final, they registered a 2-1 win in the 2017 edition and recorded a 6-0 demolition in 2019 final.
India’s squad for SAFF U-17 Championship 2022 final
Goalkeepers: Sahil, Julfikar Gazi, Tajamul Islam
Defenders: Ricky Meetei, Mukul Panwar, Manjot Singh Dhami, Balkaran Singh, Suraj Kumar Singh, Chandan Yadav
Midfielders: Gurnaj Singh Grewal, Korou Singh, Lalpekhlua, Vanlalpeka Guite, Boby Singh, Malemngamba Singh Thokchom, Huzafah Ahmad Dar, Ngarin Shaiza, Danny Meitei, Lalhmingchhuanga Fanai, Faizan Waheed, Obed Mangminhao Haokip
Forwards: Thanglalsoun Gangte, Aman
Where to watch the SAFF U-17 Championship 2022 final live in India?
Live streaming of the SAFF U-17 Championship 2022 final between India and Nepal will be available on Eleven Sports website. The SAFF U-17 Championship 2022 final will also be live streamed on Football Sri Lanka TV's YouTube channel.
There will be no live telecast of the SAFF U-17 Championship 2022 final in India.
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Featured photo: Indian football team
