Rampant India Demolish Sri Lanka 8-0 in SAFF U19 Championship Opener

India began their SAFF U19 Championship title defence in the most emphatic manner possible, decimating Sri Lanka 8-0 in their Group B opener at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh, on May 9, 2025. The hosts, charged by a roaring home crowd, put on a footballing masterclass that stunned their opponents and thrilled the spectators.

Danny Meitei Laishram Steals the Show with Hat-Trick Heroics

From the outset, the Blue Colts imposed their rhythm and intent, refusing to ease off even for a moment. Central to India’s overwhelming success was the electric performance from Danny Meitei Laishram. The striker became the tournament’s first hat-trick scorer with goals in the 26th, 31st, and 50th minutes.

Danny’s first came via a bullet header after a clever cross from Omang Dodum, while his second — a thunderous left-footer from outside the box — showcased his finesse and range. The third, a clinical finish from close range after pouncing on a defensive blunder, sealed his treble and left Sri Lanka reeling.

Midfield Masterclass and Wing Wizardry Set the Tone

India’s midfield, orchestrated by a focused and energetic unit, dictated proceedings with intelligence and flair. Their tight control and accurate passing kept the tempo brisk and constantly put Sri Lanka under pressure. On the flanks, Arbash and Rohen Singh combined skill with pace to create havoc, delivering dangerous balls into the final third.

The scoring began in the 17th minute when Prashan Jajo sliced through the defence and fired in a fierce strike from a narrow angle. It was only a taste of what was to come.

Just minutes later, an error from Sri Lanka gifted Dodum possession. He unselfishly squared the ball to Danny, who nodded in India’s second. Jajo’s smart header then set up Arbash for the fourth, wrapping up a flawless first half.

Omang Dodum Lights Up the Second Half

The restart brought no respite for Sri Lanka. Local sensation Omang Dodum got his reward in the 48th minute. Dancing past a defender with sublime footwork, he fired between the legs of Nadal Aaron Senapala, further igniting the home support.

Just two minutes after Dodum’s strike, Danny completed his hat-trick, this time exploiting a sloppy clearance from Omith Edirisinghe. The forward remained ice-cold under pressure, slotting home for India’s sixth.

Captain Shami, Jajo Seal the Rout

India’s unrelenting assault continued as the match wore on. In the 62nd minute, Senapala mishandled a routine aerial ball from Shami, and Jajo — ever alert — pounced to score his second of the game. The eighth goal was reserved for a moment of captaincy brilliance. In the 81st minute, Singamayum Shami danced through a pair of defenders with ease before rifling in from a sharp angle, putting an exclamation mark on a complete performance.

India’s Confidence Reflected on the Pitch

India’s fluidity, tactical discipline, and clinical edge underlined their superiority. The defenders, though barely tested, remained sharp and alert to every Sri Lankan attempt to counter. The midfield controlled the tempo, switching play and finding gaps with ease. Up front, every forward contributed — either on the scoresheet or by stretching the opposition lines.

The vocal crowd in Arunachal Pradesh played its part, turning the historic occasion into a carnival. Hosting its first-ever international football tournament, the state witnessed a performance for the ages — fast, fierce, and full of flair.

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