India’s young footballers showed their nerves of steel as they defeated Nepal 3-2 in a penalty shootout in the semi-final of the SAFF U-19 Championship on Wednesday. The match ended in a 1-1 draw after the regulation and added time, which saw both the teams playing some fast-paced and exciting football. India will now face Pakistan in the final on Saturday at the Dashrath Stadium in Kathmandu.
India takes the lead through Sahil Khurshid
India started the match on a positive note and created some early chances. In the 26th minute, they broke the deadlock through Sahil Khurshid, who scored with a powerful header from a corner kick. Nepal’s goalkeeper could not keep out the ball despite getting a hand to it. India continued to press for more goals, but Nepal’s defense held firm till the half-time whistle.
Nepal equalizes through Samir Tamang
Nepal came back strongly in the second half and looked more threatening in attack. They found the equalizer in the 74th minute, when Samir Tamang scored with a brilliant volley from outside the box. The ball flew past India’s goalkeeper and into the top corner of the net. Nepal’s fans erupted in joy as they sensed a possible upset. India tried to regain their lead, but Nepal’s goalkeeper made some crucial saves to keep the score level.
Penalty shootout drama
The match went into a penalty shootout, as neither team could score in the extra time. Both teams missed their first penalties, as India’s captain Ishan Shishodia hit the post and Nepal’s Prashant Laxam Limbu skied his shot over the bar. India’s Arjun Singh Oinam and Nepal’s Ashwin Ghorasini scored their second penalties, making it 1-1. India’s Gwgwmsar Goyary and Nepal’s Laxman Thapa scored their third penalties, making it 2-2. India’s Manglenthang Kipgen and Nepal’s Bikram Tamang took the fourth penalties, and both of them missed, as Kipgen’s shot was saved by Nepal’s goalkeeper and Tamang’s shot hit the crossbar.
The fifth and final penalties were taken by India’s Sahil Khurshid and Nepal’s Kushal Deuba. Khurshid scored with a calm finish, while Deuba’s shot was saved by India’s goalkeeper, sparking wild celebrations among the Indian players and fans. India won the shootout 3-2 and booked their place in the final.
India to face Pakistan in the final
India will now face their arch-rivals Pakistan in the final on Saturday, which promises to be a high-octane clash. Pakistan had defeated Bhutan 6-5 in another penalty shootout in the first semi-final of the day. Both teams have won two matches and drawn one in the group stage, and have scored eight goals each in the tournament so far. India will be aiming for their first SAFF U-19 Championship title, while Pakistan will be looking for their second title after winning it in 2009.
Category: Sports Meta Description: India defeated Nepal 3-2 in a penalty shootout in the semi-final of the SAFF U-19 Championship on Wednesday. India will face Pakistan in the final on Saturday. Slug: india-nepal-penalty-shootout-saff-u19-championship
