India booked their place in the semi-finals of the SAFF U20 Championship on Thursday with a dominant performance to beat Pakistan 3-0 in their opening Group B match. Forward Oming Dodam produced a brace in the second half, finding the net in the 64th and 88th minutes, after Vishal Yadav put India ahead in the third minute. The win ensured a perfect start for India and ensured their progress to the knockout stage. Pakistan, meanwhile, crashed out of the tournament after suffering their second straight defeat, having previously lost to Bangladesh. India will now take on Bangladesh on Saturday in a match that will decide the Group B toppers. India started aggressively and opened the scoring within two minutes. Vishal Yadav broke down the right and sent in a threatening cross for Dodum, but the chance went begging. The opening goal came soon after. Garnaj Singh Grewal saw Yadav’s run and delivered a high ball over the defence. Yadav controlled it well and saw his initial effort blocked, but reacted quickly to slot the rebound home with his left foot at the near post. The early breakthrough boosted India’s confidence, although Pakistan stepped up the game and began testing the defence. They came close to leveling the scores on two occasions, only to be denied by goalkeeper Suraj Singh Ahibam, who made two crucial saves. India capitalized on those missed opportunities in the second half with a quick counter-attack to double their lead. Samson Ahongshangbum dribbled the ball past the defence, before passing play to Rishi Singh Nanthukhongjam. Rishi then set up Dodam, who beat goalkeeper Zulqarnain to the ball and slotted it in. With a two-goal lead, India controlled proceedings while Pakistan looked for answers. The Indian backstop remained organized, limiting further threats. In the closing stages, Mohammad Junaid fouled Prashan Jaju inside the box, resulting in a penalty by referee Varinda Roy. Dudam stepped up and completed his brace in the 88th minute to seal the result. The convincing win has given India strong momentum going into their final group match against Bangladesh.
