Yupia (Arunachal Pradesh), May 15—High-flying India will aim to maintain its unbeaten run when it takes on a determined Maldives side in the semifinals of the SAFF U19 Championship 2025 on Friday.
The first semifinal will see Nepal clash with Bangladesh earlier in the day.
India Dominates Group Stage
India dominantly topped Group B, dismantling Sri Lanka 8-0 and easing past Nepal 4-0. Their clinical performances ensured a flawless progression to the knockout stage, setting up a semifinal showdown with Group A runners-up Maldives.Maldives Show Grit in Group A
Despite not registering a win, the Maldives advanced from Group A with two draws, 2-2 against both Bangladesh and Bhutan. Displaying strong character, they clawed back from two goals down in their opener and secured a crucial last-minute equaliser against Bhutan, narrowly securing a semifinal berth.Head coach Ahmed Shakir acknowledged his team's weather challenges, stating, "It was hot in the first match and cold and rainy in the second. It's not the weather we're accustomed to in the Maldives."
Tactical Discipline Key, Says Fernandes
India head coach Bibiano Fernandes praised the Maldives' fighting spirit but stressed the importance of staying focused.The Maldives have shown great character, coming from behind in both matches. That shows they don’t give up easily," said Fernandes. "There are no second chances in knockout matches. It's all or nothing. The boys are prepared mentally and tactically."
The match will go directly to penalties if it is tied after regulation time.
History on India’s Side
India holds a perfect record against the Maldives in SAFF men’s age-group competitions, winning all nine encounters. The most recent was a 3-0 victory in the SAFF U17 Championship last year, with 10 players from that squad now part of the U19 team.Weather as a Potential Factor
Rain has lashed Itanagar and nearby areas for the past two days, impacting training schedules. While India has adjusted their indoor preparations and focused on tactical readiness, Fernandes noted that adaptability will be crucial.Arunachal Crowd a Driving Force
Fernandes credited the local supporters for energizing his squad. “The crowd in Arunachal has been fantastic. It’s given the boys a big boost in both matches,” he said.India has scored 12 goals so far, with six different players on the scoresheet—a testament to their depth and attacking variety.
As India aims for another dominant performance, all eyes will be on how well they maintain momentum against a Maldives team that refuses to quit.