Arunachal: Rain Threatens to Dampen SAFF U19 Championship Semi-Finals in Itanagar
Persistent heavy rainfall in Itanagar has cast doubt over the smooth conduct of the SAFF U19 Championship 2025 semi-finals, scheduled for today at the Golden Jubilee Stadium. The wet spell, lasting for two consecutive days, has raised concerns about the playing conditions for the crucial knockout encounters.
India are set to clash with the Maldives in the second semi-final, following the first match between Nepal and Bangladesh. India marched convincingly through Group B, securing emphatic victories against Sri Lanka (8-0) and Nepal (4-0). This dominant performance positioned them at the top of their group, leading to their semi-final showdown with the Maldives.
The Maldives, despite not registering any wins in Group A, displayed remarkable resilience in their two drawn matches against Bangladesh and Bhutan (both ending 2-2). Their ability to fight back from losing positions highlights their tenacity. Against Bangladesh, they recovered from a two-goal deficit to secure a draw, and against Bhutan, they equalized late and then took a stoppage-time lead, ultimately qualifying despite a late Bhutanese equalizer.
Maldives head coach Ahmed Shakir acknowledged the dramatic nature of their matches, stating, “I think this was the most entertaining match in the tournament so far. Till the last second, we didn’t know which team would qualify.”
India coach Bibiano Fernandes is wary of the Maldives’ fighting spirit. “Maldives have shown great character, in both their matches, coming from behind to draw. That shows they don’t give up easily and can hurt teams if given space. For us, the approach remains the same, staying focused, humble, and playing to our strengths. We’ve analysed their games, and the boys are preparing well.”
Fernandes emphasized the high stakes of the knockout stage. “There are no second chances in knockout matches. It’s all or nothing. But the boys are prepared for it, mentally and tactically. The key is to stay calm and play with discipline. We approach it like any other match, with focus, hunger, and the belief that if we stick to our plan, the result will follow.”
In the event of a draw after 90 minutes, the matches will proceed directly to a penalty shootout. History favors India in this matchup, as they boast a perfect record against the Maldives in SAFF men’s age-group competitions, winning all nine previous encounters, including a 3-0 victory in the SAFF U17 Championship 2024. Ten players from that victorious Indian squad are also part of the current U19 team.
While the Indian team is prepared to play regardless of the conditions, adapting to the local weather has posed a challenge for the Maldives. “The rain has been quite consistent over the last few days, but we’ve managed our sessions accordingly and are ready for all kinds of conditions. We’ve focused on recovery, tactical work, and mental preparation indoors when needed. At the end of the day, both teams play in the same conditions, so it’s about who adapts better and sticks to the plan,” Fernandes explained.
Shakir commented on the weather’s potential impact on his team’s performance. “We had a slow start in both matches, and I think it has something to do with the weather as well. It was hot during the first game, but it rained and got cold in the second game. It’s not the kind of weather we are used to in the Maldives.” Despite the challenges, he praised his players’ resilience: “I congratulate my players for the effort they put to come back in the second match… The semi-final will be a tough challenge.”
Fernandes also lauded the enthusiastic support from the local Arunachal crowd, which he believes has significantly contributed to India’s success so far. The Indian U19 team has scored 12 goals, courtesy of six different players, all seemingly fueled by the vibrant atmosphere in the stadium. “The crowd in Arunachal has been fantastic so far. It’s not something you don’t see often at the youth level, and we’re really grateful for it. It’s given the boys a big boost in both matches, and we will carry that energy into the semi-final as well. That kind of atmosphere pushes young players to perform and gives them confidence. So, we hope more and more people come to watch the semi-final,” he concluded.