SAFF U-19 C'ship: It was my dream to score in front of my family on my home ground, says local hero Omang Dodum

Homeboy Omang Dodum was the center of a momentous occasion in the history of Arunachal sports. A first-ever international football tournament in the state, an Indian national team in action, and above all, a local lad leading the forward line. Dodum scored India's fifth of the night and his first ever official goal for the country.

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Although the 17-year-old had scored for India in Europe in a friendly against German club Reutlingen in 2023, this was undoubtedly the most sensational moment of his young career.

"It was a dream to score in my home ground in front of my family. Many of my relatives and friends came from all over Arunachal just for this game," Dodum told AIFF Media team.

Dodum's near and dear ones had thronged the stadium hours before kick-off and came in huge numbers to see their local lad represent the nation.

"When I learned that the SAFF U19 Championship would be held in Arunachal Pradesh, my first thought was that my family would watch me play for the national team. I'll play in front of the home crowd. I never expected this. This is everyone's dream," said Dodum, who hails from Jollang village.