India’s unbeaten run in the group stage will be put to the test when the Blue Colts take on Nepal in the semifinal of the SAFF Under-17 Championship at the Racecourse International Stadium in Colombo on Thursday.
India is atop Group B with nine points from as many available, following wins over Maldives (6-0), Bhutan (1-0) and arch-rival Pakistan (3-2).
The victory against Pakistan especially pleased head coach Bibiano Fernandes, who praised the way his wards soaked up pressure in a high-stakes clash.
“Defeating Pakistan was a good result for us, and I am pleased with the way the team handled the pressure in such an important game,” Bibiano said.
“The players showed character and discipline, and that performance gives us confidence going into the semifinals.”
Nepal, on the other hand, has won one (2-0 against host Sri Lanka) and lost the other (0-4 against Bangladesh), to finish second in Group A.
ALSO READ: Super Cup 2025 likely to begin on October 25 in Goa; draw scheduled a month prior
Bibiano remained wary of the potential threat that Nepal possesses.
“They are a tough opposition, and have a number of players with good individual talent,” Fernandes added.
“I think we can expect a very competitive match, and our focus is on preparing well, staying organised, and making sure we play to our strengths.”
For India, the semifinal would be a different ball game altogether from that in the group stages, and Bibiano has reminded his team about the need to stay composed under pressure and stick to the plan.
“The boys understand the importance of this stage of the tournament. It’s about staying calm, working hard together, and giving everything on the pitch,” he said.
“We want to carry forward the momentum and take one more step towards our target,” he added.
(with inputs from PTI)
Published on Sep 24, 2025
Content Source: sportstar.thehindu.com