Kathmandu: Manglenthang Kipgen’s stunning long-range strike in the 95th minute secured a 1-0 win for India over the Maldives in their final Group B match at the ANFA Complex in Lalitpur on Friday. This victory guaranteed India’s place in the semifinals of the SAFF U20 Championship. Finishing at the top of their group, India will now face Bangladesh, the runners-up from Group A, in the semifinals.
Kipgen, the standout player from last year’s SAFF U19 Championship, made a significant impact as a second-half substitute. His precise 25-yard shot left Maldives goalkeeper Mohamed Yaameen with no chance, despite Yaameen’s strong performance throughout the game.
India showed promise early on, with improved play compared to their previous match, but struggled to break the deadlock. They had a goal disallowed for offside and missed several chances, including a close attempt by captain Ricky Meetei Haobam and a shot by Kelvin Singh Taorem.
Despite these missed opportunities, Kipgen’s late goal came after a series of near-misses and a free-kick chance for the Maldives that narrowly missed. With this crucial win, India advances as Group B’s top team and will face Bangladesh scheduled for Monday, August 26.
