Yupia, May 12: Having already booked their place in the SAFF U19 Championship semifinals, India will aim to secure the top spot in Group B when they face Nepal at the Golden Jubilee Stadium here on Tuesday.
India kicked off the tournament with an 8-0 rout of Sri Lanka last Friday in head coach Bibiano Fernandes’ first match after his return to the national youth team setup. On Sunday, Nepal also thrashed Sri Lanka, winning 5-0 to knock them out of the tournament, while guaranteeing semifinal qualification for both India and themselves.
“Both teams won their first games by big margins. But we don’t read too much into the scorelines. Every match is different, and Nepal have shown that they are a strong and competitive side. They were solid against Sri Lanka and created several chances.
“We’ve analysed their game and know they are well organised. For us, it’s about sticking to our strengths, staying focused, and giving our best on the day. Like I always say, at this level, every team is tough, and it comes down to who wants it more,” said Fernandes.
The 48-year-old was left satisfied with the performance in the opening match, especially with the dominance on the ball and the number of chances created by the Blue Colts. It was India’s joint-highest margin of victory in a SAFF men’s age-group tournament. The U20s had beaten Nepal (2022) and the U17s had defeated Maldives (2023) by the same scoreline of 8-0.
Fernandes also emphasised the importance of not getting carried away and allowing complacency to creep in after a big victory.
“It’s always important to stay grounded, especially after a win like that. These are young boys, and part of their development is to know the importance of humility and discipline. The real test is to keep the same intensity and hunger against stronger teams. The message is clear — one match at a time, no complacency, and always respect the opponent. That’s how we grow as a team.”
Courtesy of their big goal difference, the Blue Colts only require a draw to finish as toppers. India will also have the advantage in terms of rest, getting 48 hours more than Nepal to prepare for the game. (IANS)
