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India marched into the final of the SAFF U20 Championship emphatically, defeating Bhutan 5-0 at the National Stadium in Male, Maldives, on Wednesday.
The defending champions delivered a commanding performance filled with pace, precision and ruthless finishing, setting up a summit clash against Bangladesh on April 3 after the latter defeated Nepal 1-0 in the other semi-final, as per the AIFF website. Rohen Singh Chaphamayum emerged as the standout performer, scoring twice in the 56th and 57th minutes and playing a key role in India's attacking display. The other goals came from Omang Dodum (4'), Md Arbash (44'), and substitute Malemngamba Thokchom (90+2'). India seized control of the contest early and took the lead in the fourth minute with a well-crafted move. Bungson Singh Takhellambam launched a long ball down the right channel, which Rohen collected before making a surging run along the flank. His low cross into the penalty area found Omang Dodum, who slid between two Bhutan defenders and finished neatly at the near post, displaying sharp poacher's instincts. The early breakthrough allowed India to dictate the tempo, maintaining possession and continuously pressing Bhutan's defence. The lead could have doubled in the sixth minute when Vishal Yadav's effort took a wicked deflection and narrowly missed the target. India continued to test Bhutan goalkeeper Tandin Penjor, with attempts from Rohen and Dodum keeping the pressure on. India came close again in the 37th minute when Yaipharemba Chingakham delivered a precise cross into the box for Rishikanta Meitei Laishram, but his shot was blocked by Sonam Dorji. Bhutan's best chance came moments later against the run of play. A misplaced pass from Rohen allowed Ngawang Yonten to gain possession near the centre circle. Spotting goalkeeper Suraj Singh Aheibam off his line, Yonten attempted a long-range lob, but the ball struck the crossbar, allowing Suraj to recover. India extended their lead just before the interval in the 44th minute. Dodum surged forward and sent a ball across the face of the goal that evaded the Bhutan defence. Arbash made a well-timed run and tapped in at the far post, giving India a comfortable 2-0 advantage at half-time. The second half began with India in a relentless mood. Within minutes, they effectively sealed the contest. In the 56th minute, a flowing team move resulted in the third goal. Dodum carried the ball down the left before feeding Arbash, who laid it off for Rohen to strike powerfully into the net. Barely a minute later, Bhutan's loose passing allowed Arbash to regain possession. He advanced and released Rohen again, who calmly completed his brace. India controlled the remainder of the match with composure, limiting Bhutan to sporadic attacks while continuing to threaten on the counter. The final flourish came in stoppage time when Malemngamba Thokchom received the ball on the left and fired a left-footed shot from an angle to complete the 5-0 rout. (ANI)
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