Kalyani (West Bengal): India churned out yet another fine performance as they thrashed Sri Lanka 5-0 in the ongoing SAFF U-15 tournament here Tuesday.
Himanshu Jangra was the star of the show, scoring a hat-trick, while Maheson Singh and Shubho Paul also netted one each. India coach Bibiano Fernandes made two changes to his lineup, with Himanshu Jangra replacing Sridarth upfront, and Satvik Sharma taking Sibajit Singh’s place in the middle of the park.
India started dominating from the early exchanges, but the Lankan defence held their own. India attacking midfielder Maheson was on form, giving ample opportunities to striker Jangra.
However, the striker finally broke the deadlock when Maheson again found him with a defence-splitting ball, as Jangra slotted it into the net. Soon after, Maheson pulled the trigger from outside the box and doubled the lead, before Jangra scored his second as he slipped one past the Lankan keeper.
Paul made it four deep into injury time of the first half, as he cut in from the left and curled it into the net. Jangra completed his hat-trick in the second half when he skipped past a defender and slotted it home.
“I’m happy that the players are scoring so many goals. I’m very happy for Himanshu. He finally got his chance and showed what a lethal goalscorer he can be,” said Fernandes.
“It’s a problem of plenty, but it’s a good problem to have, as I know that if Sridarth is not there, Himanshu can set up to the plate.” India who are on top of the charts with maximum nine points have already qualified for the final. The hosts play their final group game against Bangladesh Thursday.
However, it will be a tussle for Bangladesh and Nepal who are six points each as a win in their respective last matches will help them through to the summit clash. Nepal will be facing Bhutan in their final group game.
