India defeated Maldives in the SAFF under 18 Championship second semi final today. India beat Maldives 4-0 while earlier Bangladesh beat Bhutan 4-0 in the first semi finals.

India started well scoring in the 7th minute when Narendar headed the ball over the goalkeeper to make it 1-0 for India. Just before halftime India doubled their lead Mohamed Rafi heading in a corner.

Both India and Maldives playing an open game, with poor pitch conditions spoiling it for both the sides, Gurkirat Singh scored India's third after Maldives goalkeeper Hassan Aleef fumbled a corner kick. Two minutes later Ninthoinganba Meetei Khumanthem scored the goal of the game making it 4-0. The ball fell to the Khumanthem from a corner just outside the box who blasted it into the net.

Maldives will play Bhutan in the third place match on the 29th September before the mighty Indian team play Bangladesh in the final match. This is the first time a Maldivian side has reached a semifinal of any SAFF junior tournaments. The Young Red Snappers will travel to Tajikistan for Asian Cup qualification after the third place match.

Photo : Football Association of Maldives