The India U16 males’s staff secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over Bangladesh to open its SAFF U16 Championship marketing campaign on the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan on Saturday.
The Ishfaq Ahmed-coached aspect, taking part in its first-ever worldwide match, was stored at bay by some strong goalkeeping from Bangladesh’s Nahidul Islam earlier than Thoungamba Singh Usham netted the profitable aim within the 74th minute.
India started the Group A fixture on the entrance foot, with Vishal Yadav the principle artistic drive within the first half. In the 14th minute, he intercepted a cross earlier than organising Bharat Lairenjam, whose effort was saved one-on-one by Islam. Minutes later, the Bangladesh custodian was known as into motion once more as he tipped away Yadav’s left-footed shot on the flip.
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Bangladesh additionally had its alternatives going ahead however couldn’t check Aheibam Suraj Singh within the Indian aim. Unlike his counterpart, he loved a largely comfy afternoon below the Thimphu solar.
Most of India’s risk within the second half got here from long-range efforts. Lairenjam drove a half-volley from outdoors the field, which was strongly palmed away by Islam earlier than Levis Zangminlun’s free-kick flew over the crossbar. Samson Ahongshangbam was unfortunate to not rating a aim as his thumping free-kick from 35 yards out rattled onto the bar.
However, he discovered himself reeling away with pleasure simply minutes later, becoming a member of his teammates as they celebrated Usham’s breakthrough aim. It materialised from substitute Manbhakupar Malngiang’s persistence within the ultimate third as he stole the ball from an opponent’s toes earlier than taking pictures on aim. Islam saved it but once more, however Usham was the quickest to the rebound and punctiliously tucked it dwelling.
India has a four-day relaxation earlier than it faces Nepal in its second and ultimate group match on September 6.
Bhutan, Pakistan and Maldives make up Group B. The high two groups from each teams will qualify for the semi-final.
