India blank Maldives 5-0 in AFC U-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers

Captain Vanlalpeka Guite, Lalhmingchhuanga Fanai, Aman, Boby Singh, Phoenix Oinam scored a goal each to make it a five-star performance for India. India got off on the front foot, with Huzafah and Boby orchestrating attacks down the left flank. The Blue Colts came close to opening the scoring in the ninth minute, when a Vanlalpeka Guite corner from the left was almost turned in by Faizan.

However, the ball went agonisingly close to the goal, travelling parallel to the goal line, before going out of play. It did not take them too long to score the first though, as captain Guite ran on to a low cross from the right and slotted it home. Fanai doubled the lead in the 24th minute, when he tried his luck from long range, as the ball took a deflection and sailed past the Maldives keeper.

The two goals put India firmly in the drivers' seat, as a confident Guite orchestrated the attacks for the Blue Colts, often dropping down to the midfield to link up with the midfielders and wingers. The India captain came close to making it three when he took charge of a free-kick close to the Maldives penalty box. From around 20 yards out, Guite had the keeper completely beaten, but the ball thudded off the woodwork.

India went into the breather with a two-goal lead, but came out with more impetus after the break. Head coach Bibiano Fernandes made three changes after the interval, bringing on Gurnaj Singh, Phoenix Oinam, and Chandan Yadav, in place of Guite, Malemngamba Thokchom, and Manjit Singh Dhami, respectively. India were completely dominant in the second half, enjoying long bouts of possession, and it took them about 15 minutes to score again.