India retained the title in the 5th SAFF U-19 Men Football Championship, trouncing Pakistan 3-0 in the final at Dashrath Stadium in Kathmandu, Nepal today. Manglenthang Kipgen scored a brace and Gwgwmsar Goyary netted one for the champion team.

This was the third SAFF U-19 title for India, who had won their first two, defeating Bangladesh both times at Dashrath Stadium in Kathmandu on 29 September 2019 and at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar on 5 August 2022.

Earlier in the second semifinal, India overcame host Nepal 3-2 in tie-breaker after play in the regulation time ended in 1-1 draw. Defending champions India reached semifinals, winning both of their league matches in Group-B. They beat Bangladesh 3-0 and Bhutan 2-1. Six countries are participating in this championship.

Goalkeeper Lionel Daryl Rymmei led the 23-member Indian U-19 team in this championship. Odisha defender Aula Siba Prasad and mid-fielder Raja Harijan were part of the Indian team. Shuvendu Panda from Odisha is the head coach of the Indian team.

INDIA U-19 TEAM: Goalkeepers: Lionel Daryl Rymmei, Divyaj Dhaval Thakkar and Manjot Singh Parmar. Defenders: Thomas Kanamoottil Cherian, Jahangir Ahmad Shagoo, Vijay Marandi, A Siba Prasad, Manabir Basumatary, Surajkumar Singh Ngangbam and Ricky Meetei. Midfielders: Manglentheng Kipgen, Ishaan Shishodia, Arjun Singh Oinam, Yash Chikro, Ebindas Yesudasan, Raja Harijan and Thumsol Tongsin. Forwards: Gwgwmsar Goyary, Sahil Khurshid, Linky Meitei Chabungbam, Kelvin Singh Taorem, Naoba Meitei and Dinesh Singh Soubam. Head coach: Shuvendu Panda (Odisha).

RESULTS:
September 21: India (Gwgwmsar Goyary 1, Naoba Meitei 45+5, Arjun Oinam 90) beat Bangladesh 3-0.
September 25: India (Gwgwmsar Goyary 36, Ricky Meetei 64) beat Bhutan (Jigme Namgyel 20) 2-1.
September 27 (Semifinal): India (Sahil Khurshid 26) beat Nepal (Samir Tamang 74) 3-2 in tie-breaker (Full time 1-1 draw).
September 30 (Final): India (Manglenthang Kipgen 64, 85, Gwgwmsar Goyary 90+5) beat Pakistan 3-0.
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PHOTO: India U-19 Men Football team, featuring Odisha players Raja Harijan (No 6) and A Siba Prasad (No 12), poses for a photo before their final match against Pakistan at the SAFF U-19 Championship in Kathmandu on 30 September 2023.