- By Vishal Pushkar
- Sun, 01 Oct 2023 07:14 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
India has emerged triumphant in the SAFF Men's U-19 Championship, securing a commanding 3-0 win against arch-rivals Pakistan in the championship's final match. The championship was held at the Dashrath Stadium, and this victory marks India's eighth youth title in the SAFF championships, solidifying their regional dominance in the sport.
A standout performer for India in this decisive match was substitute Manglenthang Kipgen. Kipgen had previously made headlines by sealing India's place in the final with a high-pressure penalty strike against host nation Nepal in the semi-final. His remarkable impact continued as he netted the first two goals in the final against Pakistan, effectively closing the door on Pakistan's championship aspirations.
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Kipgen's contributions extended beyond goal-scoring; he played a pivotal role in the third goal as well. His cleverly executed chip paved the way for Gwgwmsar Goyary to find the back of the net during added time, securing a resounding victory for India.
What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that a significant portion of the Indian squad was making their debut appearance in an international tournament representing their nation. This victory not only underscores the talent of India's emerging football stars but also augurs well for the future of Indian football on the international stage.