India defeated the Maldives 1-0 in an exciting match that sent them into the SAFF U20 Championship semi-final on Friday thanks to a late goal from Manglenthang Kipgen.
India had to work hard for ninety-five minutes in their last Group ‘B’ match until Kipgen scored an incredible goal to assist the Blue Colts win the championship.
Thus, India set up a semifinal match on Monday against the Group A runner-up and reigning champion, Bangladesh.
Compared to the first game, India was more adept at transition, with Korou Singh Thingujam and Kelvin Singh Taorem giving the attack the much-needed width.
India’s first chance on goal came from Kelvin, but Yaameen tipped it out. The Bengaluru FC winger then cut inside from the left and fired a low shot at the near post, but Ebindas Yesudasan, the central midfielder, picked him out with a diagonal ball.
Gurnaj Singh Grewal’s subsequent corner attempt was an attempt by Monirul Molla to equalise his game-winning goal from the Bhutan encounter. But this time, his glancing header was missed.
Korou sent a low ball into the six-yard box in the eighteenth minute, but he fumbled the attempt at the far post because he couldn’t get his feet under control fast enough.
After driving to the byline once more, Korou served the ball directly to Molla four minutes later, but his effort was straight at the custodian.
India’s attack took on a different dynamic with the arrival of Kipgen as they searched for core areas.
He found an unmarked Kelvin in the box in the 47th minute, but the player blasted his shot over. Kipgen couldn’t get his left foot to wrap around the ball enough, and later he shot one over the bar himself.
The Maldives’ best opportunity came when skipper Shanaan Rashaadh’s free kick narrowly missed the crossbar.
But Yaameen, the Maldives’ caretaker, didn’t let up. He emerged to punch a corner at the 68th minute. Abdulla Looth Ibrahim stopped the rebound attempt from Manjot Singh Dhami.
After four minutes, Korou, Kipgen, and Ebindas skilfully manoeuvred about the box’s edge. The latter then attempted to set up Naoba Meitei Pangambam, but to no avail.
Gwgwmsar Goyary, a substitute striker, also had a few close looks but was stopped twice by Yaameen.
His header from a Kipgen cross was easily caught in the 80th minute. Next, Goyary attempted to strike it far, but his grounded attempt was also spared.
Ultimately, Kipgen’s flawless strike in the 95th minute was the game-winning play.