India’s U-19 team made a dream start to their SAFF U-19 Championship title defence, thrashing Sri Lanka 8-0 in their Group B opener at the Golden Jubilee Stadium. Danny Meitei led the charge with a remarkable hat-trick (26’, 31’, 50’) — the tournament’s first. Prashan Jajo added to the tally with two goals (17’, 62’), while Md Arbash (40’), Omang Dodum (48’), and captain Singamayum Shami (81’) each found the net once, completing a dominant performance.
Backed by a passionate home crowd, the Blue Colts asserted their authority from the start, displaying crisp passing, smart movement, and relentless pressure. Sri Lanka struggled to keep up, spending much of the match on the back foot as India dictated the tempo and showcased their superiority.
India’s Dominance Shines in Emphatic Victory Over Sri Lanka
India’s midfield, led by a disciplined and composed unit, controlled the game’s rhythm with precise passing, while their forwards relentlessly exploited Sri Lanka’s disorganized defense. On the wings, Arbash and Rohen Singh posed constant threats, launching wave after wave of attacks.
The breakthrough arrived in the 17th minute when Prashan Jajo sprinted down the left, outpaced his marker, and drilled a powerful shot from a tight angle to give India a well-earned lead. Just nine minutes later, a careless backpass from Sri Lanka gifted Omang Dodum the chance to deliver a perfect cross for Danny, who confidently nodded it in.
India’s third goal came in the 31st minute as Danny doubled his tally with a thunderous left-footed strike from 21 yards, leaving Sri Lanka goalkeeper Nadal Aaron Senapala helpless. Before halftime, Danny’s floated cross found Jajo, who skillfully set up Arbash for a simple finish, making it 4-0.
The second half began with India maintaining their intensity. Omang Dodum, a local favorite, joined the scoresheet in the 48th minute, showcasing superb dribbling before slipping the ball between Senapala’s legs. Moments later, Danny completed his hat-trick, capitalizing on a defensive error by Omith Edirisinghe for a calm finish.
Prashan Jajo added his second in the 62nd minute after Senapala’s fumbled attempt to collect a header from India captain Singamayum Shami. The final goal, an 81st-minute moment of brilliance from Shami, saw him weave past two defenders and finish clinically from a narrow angle.
India’s commanding 8-0 victory was a statement of intent — solid at the back, fluid in midfield, and ruthless in attack. With fans on their feet and spirits soaring in the rain-soaked hills of Yupia, the Blue Colts proved they are strong contenders to defend their SAFF U-19 crown.
