SAFF U-15: India beat hosts Nepal 1-0 to bag bronze

New Delhi: The Indian football team defeated hosts Nepal 1-0 in the SAFF U-15 to bag bronze medal  at the ANFA Complex in Kathmandu on Saturday.  For India lone goal came in the 18th minute through Thlacheu Vanlalruatfela, who scored after some nice build-up by his teammates.  After exchanging a few passes in the final third, the forward was played in on goal and found himself one-on-one against the opposition goalkeeper.

The Indians could have had a second goal in the 42nd minute but the Nepal custodian dived sharply to his right to produce a fine save and divert the Indian shot for a corner.

Nepal had a half-chance in the 72nd minute but the first-time shot from a long pass by their forward did not get the required connection. Nine minutes later, the Indian keeper pulled off a fine save as he denied the hosts from close range after a melee in the penalty area.

India's best chance came in the 77th minute after a free header from a corner sailed narrowly wide. In the end, it was enough to see them clinch the bronze medal at the tournament as they held on comfortably for the win.(UNI)