India Vs Maldives Highlights, SAFF U17 Championship 2025: Blue Colts Run Riot, Seal 6-0 Victory

Hello everyone and welcome to our live coverage of the SAFF U17 Championship 2025! Defending champions India begin their campaign against Maldives at the Racecourse International Stadium in Colombo. Stay tuned for build-up, live updates, and key moments from this Group B clash.

India’s 23-member squad was finalised after a thorough scouting effort that was shortlisted and narrowed down from a pool of 86 players through various trials beginning in July.

The Blue Colts' head coach, Bibiano Fernandes, is gunning for his record fifth SAFF title. Ahead of the opener, Fernandes said, “The players have spent nearly two months in Goa undergoing rigorous training. We are delighted to be here in Sri Lanka, and we also appreciate the hosts’ warm hospitality.”

The India vs Maldives, SAFF U17 Championship 2025 Group B match will be live streamed on the Sportzworkz YouTube Channel in India. It will not be telecast on any TV channel in the country.

Manashjyoti Barua (GK), Maldino Singh Yumnam, Shubham Poonia, Konthoujam Korou Meitei, Thangggoumang Touthang, Kamgouhao Doungel, Dallalmuon Gangte, Houlungou Mate, Hrishikesh Charan Manavathi, Wangkheirakpam Gunleiba, Denny Singh Wangkhem (C)

India start with an early agression trying to score an opener quickly. However, Maldives' defense is looking quite strong.

Oh, that was so close! Maldives fire a powerful strike, but it rattles the crossbar and bounces back, India breathe a sigh of relief.

GOAL! Dallalmuon Gangte finds the back of the net with a clinical tap-in! India takes the lead, and the crowd erupts as the Blue Colts roar into action!

India are relentless in attack! I’ve honestly lost count of how many chances they’ve created, but the Maldives defense is holding strong. India are looking for an early two-goal lead.

The atmosphere is electric! Even here in Sri Lanka, the crowd is firmly behind India, chanting and cheering every move, the Blue Colts feel the support and it’s lifting their spirits on the pitch! They can't lose in front of this crowd.

GOAL! Hrishikesh Charan Manavathi slots in India’s second, brilliantly converting a perfect pass! The Blue Colts double their lead, and the stadium erupts with cheers!

And once again, India storms forward… opportunity after opportunity! The Maldives defense is running on fumes, barely holding the line as the Blue Colts press relentlessly!

Oh no! India had a golden opportunity right in front of goal, but they can’t find the finish, a chance slipped through their fingers.

And that’s the halftime whistle! The Blue Colts lead 2-0, with Dallalmuon Gangte and Hrishikesh Charan Manavathi on the scoresheet. India have dominated, but can they extend their advantage in the second half?

GOAL! Kamgouhao Doungel strikes immediately after the break to make it 3-0 for India! The Blue Colts are unstoppable, and the Maldives defense looks completely rattled!

GOAL!!! Wangkheirakpam Gunleiba lights up the pitch with a sensational strike to make it 4-0 for India! The Blue Colts are absolutely relentless, tearing through the Maldives defense, and the crowd is going wild!

Penalty awarded to India! The Blue Colts have a golden opportunity to extend their lead. Maldives scramble to organize, but the striker is ready to make this count.

GOAL!!! Dallalmuon Gangte steps up and calmly slots home the penalty, his second of the match! India now lead comfortably, and the Blue Colts are absolutely dominating Maldives!

The Blue Colts continue to press high, keeping the Maldives defense under constant pressure, every attack looks dangerous, and the crowd can feel another goal coming.

GOAL!!! Aazim Parveez Najar rises above the defense to score a brilliant header, India’s sixth goal! The Blue Colts are unstoppable, and the Maldives can’t recover!

FULL-TIME! What a commanding performance by India! The Blue Colts thrash Maldives 6-0, showcasing attacking brilliance and clinical finishing. A perfect start to their SAFF U17 campaign.

India now turn their attention to their second match of the SAFF U17 Championship, where they will take on Bhutan on September 19. While their third match will be against Pakistan on September 22.