SAFF Cup: India beat Sri Lanka 2-0 to start on a high

Defending champions India made a confident start to their SAFF Cup campaign, defeating Sri Lanka 2-0 in their opening Group B match at the Bangabandhu Stadium here on Wednesday.

Ashique Kuruniyan and Lalianzuala Chhangte scored a goal each as India, despite fielding the youngest squad in the tournament, controlled large portions of the match and created several opportunities.

India began aggressively, putting the Sri Lankan defence under pressure from the opening minutes. The young Indian side repeatedly threatened the opposition goal and kept the Islanders pinned back.

The breakthrough came in the 35th minute when Ashique raced past his marker before calmly placing the ball beyond the diving Sri Lankan goalkeeper. The goal was a significant moment for the forward as it marked his first international goal.

India almost doubled their advantage soon after. Chhangte came close to finding the net, while the Sri Lankan goalkeeper produced a series of impressive saves to keep his team within touching distance.

India, however, did not have to wait long after the interval. Within two minutes of the restart, Chhangte delivered a deep cross from the left flank that was misjudged by the Sri Lankan goalkeeper and ended up in the net, giving India a 2-0 advantage.

Chhangte became increasingly influential after switching flanks, with his pace and movement causing considerable problems for the Sri Lankan defence.

India continued to search for a third goal. Nikhil Poojary, returning after a season-long injury lay-off, was introduced after the hour mark and came close from a corner taken by Anirudh Thapa, but his effort went over the crossbar.

Farukh Choudhary also missed a good opportunity to extend India's lead when his shot in the 75th minute struck the crossbar. Manvir Singh was unable to make proper contact with the rebound, allowing Sri Lanka to escape further damage.

The victory gives India an ideal start to their title defence and puts them at the top of Group B. The result also provides confidence to the young squad ahead of their next group match against the Maldives on September 9.

India will now look to build on this performance and strengthen their position in the group as they target another deep run in the regional tournament.