SAFF U-17 Championship final Live Commentary: India vs Nepal

6:30 PM: Hello everyone and welcome to Khel Now’s LIVE COVERAGE of the India vs Nepal final match in SAFF U-17 Championship 2022. The kick-off is just half an hour away! I’m your host Devdutta Deb, and I’ll be keeping you company through what promises a fascinating evening of football. Please wait for 30 Seconds for the Live blog to load.

India vs Nepal: Build-up

Defending champions India will look to lift the trophy for the fourth time as they face Nepal in the SAFF U-17 Championship decider. Bibiano Fernandes’s side got past Bangladesh 2-1 in the semi-finals to secure their place in the grand finale. Thanglalsoun Gangte’s brace lifted India to the summit clash slated to take place in Colombo’s Racecourse International Stadium.

On the other hand, Nepal thrashed hosts Sri Lanka 6-0 in the other semi-final fixture. India finished second in the Group B standings, while Nepal topped the group after defeating the Blue Colts.

India vs Nepal Preview: Read here

India have won the SAFF U-17 Championship title three times in 2013, 2017, and 2019 (these were different age group tournaments). They beat Nepal in the finals on all three occasions. The Blue Colts ran out 1-0 winners in 2013, 2-1 in 2017, and handed a 6-0 thrashing in 2019.

Meanwhile, free-flowing Nepal came from behind to beat India 3-1 in the Group Stage encounter a few days back. They look to be a very threatening side under Upendra Man Singh’s tutelage and will be hard to contain.

India and Nepal have faced off five times, with India dominating the rivalry with four victories to Nepal’s one. Nepal’s only triumph was the latest match between the sides. India will take that upset as a wake-up call and will look to eliminate errors in defence.

The game promises to be an enthralling one, where India would like to seek revenge of their group stage defeat against the same opponents.