India’s Blue Colts opened their SAFF U20 Championship 2026 campaign with a dominant 3-0 win over Pakistan at the National Football Stadium, Male, on March 26. Vishal Yadav struck in the 3rd minute, with Omang Dodum adding a 64th-minute header and 88th-minute penalty to seal the result.
India qualifies for the semi-finals. Pakistan, beaten twice in two Group B games, are eliminated.
Vishal Yadav Opens Scoring in the 3rd Minute – India Strike Early Against Pakistan
India wasted no time. Their high press pinned Pakistan back from kick-off, and the lead arrived in just 180 seconds.
- Gurnaj Singh Grewal spotted the run and lofted a precise through ball behind Pakistan’s defence
- Vishal Yadav controlled under pressure and slotted past goalkeeper Zulqurnain at the near post — 3rd minute, 1-0
- Pakistan had no answer to India’s fast, direct pressing game in the opening 15 minutes
Suraj Singh Aheibam Denies Pakistan Equaliser – Two Key First-Half Saves Keep India Ahead
Pakistan settled and created two clear chances to equalise before the break. Both were denied by captain and goalkeeper Suraj Singh Aheibam.
- Khobaib Khan found Najeebullah behind – Suraj rushed off his line and made a decisive block
- Najeebullah’s flick then put Khan through – Suraj saved again to keep the 1-0 scoreline at half-time
Omang Dodum Headers India’s Second Goal in 64th Minute After Counter-Attacking Move
Pakistan pressed high after the break – India absorbed it and hit back on the counter.
- Samson Ahongshangbam drove from defence into the left channel and switched play with a precise cross
- Rishi Singh Ninthoukhongjam laid a cushioned header into space for Dodum to attack
- Omang Dodum timed his run perfectly, reaching the ball before Zulqurnain and heading home — 64th minute, 2-0
Omang Dodum Completes Brace with 88th-Minute Penalty – Junaid Foul on Prashan Jajo Seals It
- Muhammad Junaid fouled Prashan Jajo inside the box – referee Virendha Rai immediately pointed to the spot
- Omang Dodum stepped up and smashed the ball into the top corner – 88th minute, 3-0, brace complete
Goal Log – India vs Pakistan, SAFF U20 Championship 2026
| Minute | Goal Scorer | Assist | Type | Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3′ | Vishal Yadav | Gurnaj Singh Grewal | Open Play | India U20 |
| 64′ | Omang Dodum | Rishi Singh Ninthoukhongjam | Header | India U20 |
| 88′ | Omang Dodum | – | Penalty | India U20 |
P = Penalty
Match Stats – India U20 vs Pakistan U20, SAFF U20 Championship 2026
| Stat | India U20 | Pakistan U20 |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 3 | 0 |
| Penalties Won | 1 | 0 |
| Clean Sheet | Yes | No |
| Yellow Cards | 0 | 1 (Muhammad Junaid) |
| Result | WIN | ELIMINATED |
| Tournament Position | Group B Leaders | Knocked Out |
SAFF U20 Championship 2026 Group B Points Table After India vs Pakistan
| Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| India U20 🇮🇳 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | +3 | 3 |
| Bangladesh U20 🇧🇩 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 | 3 |
| Pakistan U20 🇵🇰 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 5 | -5 | 0 |
India lead Group B on superior goal difference (+3 vs Bangladesh’s +2). Pakistan are eliminated after two defeats.
Omang Dodum: Standout Performer with Match-Winning Brace
Omang Dodum was the clear star of the contest. His movement and finishing were clinical – the header showcased sharp positioning, the penalty demonstrated ice-cold composure. His link-up play with Rishi Singh and involvement in build-up added a constant threat that Pakistan never solved.
What’s Next: India vs Bangladesh – SAFF U20 Championship 2026 Group B Finale
India face Bangladesh on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 4:15 PM IST to decide Group B top spot. Both sides have three points. India needs only a draw to finish as group winners. The match streams free on the Sportzworkz YouTube channel.
India U20 Storm Into SAFF Championship 2026 Semi-Finals – Pakistan Eliminated
A fast start, a resilient defensive display, and a clinical second half – India’s 3-0 win over Pakistan ticked every box. The Blue Colts are through to the semi-finals as Group B leaders with a game to spare. Defending champions with four SAFF U20 titles, India look every bit the team to beat in Male.
