In ANFA Complex stadium of Nepal, Maldives have suffered a 9-0 huge loss by India in the ongoing U-15 SAFF Championship 2017.

For the first time this year’s tournament is being played as a under 15 age group tournament. As India is dominating SAFF region in football and recently being ranked among the 100 top nations in FIFA World ranking, it is believed that India will be the biggest favorite for the title this year. India lost last year’s U-16 SAFF title to Bangladesh on penalty shootouts.

Since the official draw of the tournament took place, it was believed that India will be at the driver seat for this year’s championship and Nepal will be joining the group of favorites as they will be hosting this year’s version. And it was as expected.

India stepped into the tournament as a stronger title contender by trashing Maldives in a humiliating 9-0 huge win. It was the first match for both sides.

India started well and dominated the whole match with a passing game. At the 21^st minute Ravi Bahadhur Rana made his way to score sheet by scoring the opener of the match. India kept playing their low pass game while Maldives also tried to make few moves when they were in the possession on the ball. But it did not take long for regional power house India to double the lead. A minute later, at the 22^nd minute, a corner by India ended as their second goal when Maldives defender, Faihan fail to clear the ball, and ended as an own goal. Ravi Bahadhuru scored his second of the evening at the 26^th minute and made it 3-0. And just before the half time whistle, from a corner, Thoiba made it 4-0 for India from a beautiful header finding right corner of the net.  Just before the interval Ibrahim Imran from Maldives was shown a yellow card for a foul play.

During the second half, under the rain India kept playing their passing style football while most of the match Maldives defended them. All over the match India seems more confident and superior as they are in better physic than Maldives juniors. India played for bigger score line and they seems to be getting there as the match continues.

Three minutes in to the second half, Ravi Bahadhur scores his hatrick. It is the second hatrick of this tournament (Foysal from Bangladesh has scored a hatrick in their first match). Ravi and Foysal is the leader in top scorers chart. Maldives made their first substitution at the 50^th minute mark. Ilhan Ismail came in for striker Ahmed Raslan.  Four minutes later, after a brilliant performance, Ravi was replaced for Lalrokima.

India seems they were not missing Ravi the hatrick hero on the pitch at all as they scored their sixth of the match by Ricky John. Two third of the game played and India were leading by 6-0. India made their second substitution Eric for Sailo at the 70^th minute. India kept growing into the game with the fresh feets on the pitch. As a result India scored made it 7-0 from a set piece which Vikram nicely headed into the back of the net.

Maldives juniors kept their defencive game running and trying to stop the India’s game one way or another. Maldives right back, Nahil was shown a yellow card for a foul play to Lalrokima at the 72^nd minute. Maldives suffering all over the pitch as they kept putting their best effort to end the game at the least margin. Maldives captain Ahmed Samaah was replaced at the 78^th minute for Yaish Mushthafa, as he suffered a muscle cramping.

Maldives conceded double at the last ten minutes of regular time. The substitute player for India, Lalrokima made it 8-0 from a striker at the edge of the box while for the second time in the match, Faihan for Maldives failed to clear the ball, ending it as an own goal at the 87^th minute, and India makes it 9-0. Maldives made their last substitution at the 86^th minute as the midfield player Alim Abdul was replace to Ahmed Naish, due to an injury.

India ended the match with a huge 9-0 win while it was terrible loss for Maldives who just have won double against Sri Lanka in friendlies.

Speaking to press after the match, Maldives coach Mohamed Shaazly said that, " I am very happy for my players, for their effort in this climate. Yes, the score line is a sad one. But i wonder, Are these Indian boys are under 15 or not? they seems to be in good shape and they were so matured out there. We have one day to rest. We will give our best for Nepal match".

On the other hand India coach Fenerndes said, " You all may not see our week points in today's game but i know my players. We still can improve the things. I am very happy for the big win. We have three days to rest. Nepal will have their home advantage. We will prepare at our best in the time we have got."

SAFF decided to held this tournament at this time of the year in order to give best preparations to the SAFF nations to prepare for AFC tournament just after this championship.

Next fixture of the tournament:

Sri Lanka vs Bhutan, 20^th August, 14:00 hrs (Maldives time), at ANFA Complex Stadium, Nepal.

(Photo: GoalNepal.Com)