India thrash Nepal to keep final hopes alive

By A Staff Reporter Kathmandu,Aug 1 : Nepal's winning run at the SAFF U20 Championship came to an end following an 8-0 rout from the title holders India in Bhubaneshwar on Sunday evening.

Desperate for the victory after having just three points from two matches defending champions grabbed every opportunity to bounce back in the tournament with a huge margin win. 

The clash against Nepal was do-or-die for the host. The defeat would have sent India crashing out of the league round. 

However, the victory over Nepal kept India's chance for the final alive.

Nepal was also in pressure to secure a berth in the final one match earlier. Nevertheless, the Nepali boys lost the tempo to go down against the home side humiliatingly at Kalinga Stadium. 

A goal shower led India to the second of the table toppling Nepal by a goal margin. 

Both India and Nepal have six points in the league table. Bangladesh is at the top of the standings with nine points from three victories. 

Nepal's jinx against India continued as Parthib Gogoi and Taison netted a brace whereas Himanshu Jangra, Tankadhar, Gurkirat and Shubho scored one goal apiece. 

Nepali lads failed to take control of their tempo as they conceded one goal in the first half and seven goals in the other half of the match. 

India was in cruise control in the second half taking full advantage of the home ground.

Earlier, Nepal made a winning start with a 4-0 comfortable victory over the Maldives in the opener. Nepal eased past Sri Lanka to register a second win. 

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka and the Maldives shared a point after settling to a 1-1 draw in the first match held at Kalinga Stadium.

 A late goal from Captain J.G Thesan rescued Sri Lanka from the defeat. 

Aiham Saeed broke the deadlock for the Maldives in seven minutes of the match.