Saff U-17 Championship-once-stunned India takes Nepal in semi-final with a view to the top conflict

The undefeated Run of India in the group stage will be put to the test when the Blue Colts will compete against Nepal in the semi -final of the Saff U = 17 championship in the Racecourse International Stadium, here on Thursday.

India so far looked the most dominant side, topping group B with nine points of so much available, after victories in the Maldives (6-0), Bhutan (1-0) and arch-rival Pakistan (3-2).

The victory against Pakistan was mainly head coach Bibiano Fernandes, who praised the way in which his departments hit the pressure in a collision with a high bet.

«Beating Pakistan was a good result for us, and I am happy with the way the team treated the pressure in such an important competition,» said Bibiano.

«The players showed character and discipline, and that implementation gives us confidence in the semi -final.»

Nepal, on the other hand, won one (2-0 against host Sri Lanka) and lost the other (0-4 against Bangladesh) to finish second in group A.

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Bibiano remained wary of the potential threat that Nepal has.

«They are a heavy opposition and have a number of players with good individual talent,» Fernandes added.

«I think we can expect a very competitive match, and our focus is on well preparing, staying organized and ensuring that we play our strengths.»

For India, the semi -final would be a completely different ball game than the one in the group stage, and Bibiano has reminded his team of the need to stay under pressure and hold on to the plan.

«The boys understand the importance of this phase of the tournament. It’s about staying calm, working hard together and giving everything on the field,» he said.

«We want to continue the momentum and take another step in the direction of our goal,» he added.

(with PTI entrances)

Published on September 24, 2025