India U17 (Photo credit: AIFF)

Defending champions India made a winning start to their SAFF U17 Championship campaign as they defeated Bangladesh by a solitary goal in a Group A match at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, on Friday, September 20, 2024.

After struggling to breach a determined Bangladesh defence for the most of the encounter despite complete dominance over the proceedings, defender Sumit Sharma made all the difference with a deft header in the 91st minute that hit the pitch before spinning into the goal. The young defender once again displayed his opportunism; an almost similar strike from him gave India a fine win over Indonesia in a friendly game last month.

It was substitute Manbhakupar Malngiang, who was pushed in by head coach Ishfaq Ahmed in the 78th minute, who did the initial spadework as his measured cross into the box from the right caught a host of Bangladesh defenders on the wrong foot.

While the only goal of the match fetched the Blue Colts three points in a three-team group, they would certainly not feel satisfied with the narrow margin of victory. Given their near-complete control over the match, India could have been the runaway winners. But the grit of the Bangladesh defenders, mixed with the generous amount of luck they enjoyed, left the Indian attackers frustrated for the rest of the period.

Malngiang’s cross, which resulted in the goal, was only one of the many that tormented the Bangladesh defence time and again in both halves. India’s two wing-backs Renin Singh Chingtham and Yaipharemba Chingakham overlapped with unfailing regularity, and the two wingers, Vishal Yadav and Samson Ahongshangbam, were equally aggressive in their approach that kept the Bangladesh defence on their toes.

India stepped on the gas in the last 20 minutes and looked desperate to avoid a situation where they may have to return to the dressing room with only one point in the pocket. During this period, a long-ranger by Samson shook the crosspiece, and a header from Yaipharemba missed the target by a whisker. The Bangladesh defence withstood the storm, but the last-ditch effort by Sumit Sharma forced them to surrender all three points.

Not finding the target despite pressing so hard had its share of problems, too. Busy in defending, Bangladesh were happy to sit back and wait for the opportunity to go for counter-attacks. On a couple of occasions, at least, the plan nearly clicked and had the Indian defence looking for cover. The Blue Colts had narrow escapes both times.

Overall, the shape that Ahmed’s boys could largely maintain was the biggest positive for India from the match. They didn’t lose their composure and attacked with a definite plan in mind. Things could be expected to be brighter when they play the Maldives in their next and concluding group match.

India U17: Suraj Singh Aheibam (GK); Yaipharemba Chingakham, Mohammed Kaif, Sumit Sharma Brahmacharimayum, Renin Singh Chingtham (Jodric Abranches 90’); Ngamgouhou Mate (C), Md Arbash (Ningthoukhongjam Rishi Singh 84’), Levis Zangminlun (Mahmad Sami 90’); Vishal Yadav (Manbhakupar Malngiang 78’), Bharat Lairenjam, Samson Ahongshangbam (Hemneichung Lunkim 78’).