Bangladesh U-17 team suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to India in their opening match of SAFF U-17 Championship, held on Friday at Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan.
India’s winning goal came in dramatic fashion during stoppage time, as Sumit Sharma nodded in a precise chip from substitute Manbhakupar Malngiang.
With this loss, Bangladesh's chances in the tournament now hinge on their final Group A match against the Maldives, scheduled for Sunday.
India dominated the first half, pushing forward while Bangladesh played more defensively, aiming to prevent an early concession. The red-and-green squad started cautiously as India maintained control of the game in the early stages. Despite several dangerous passes threatening the Bangladeshi defense, they held firm and neutralized the risks.
India's first clear opportunity to score came in the 15th minute when Samson Ahongshangbam's header just missed the target, providing a brief respite for Bangladesh's goalkeeper Nahidul Islam.
As the game progressed, Bangladesh found opportunities to push forward, especially in set-piece situations. In the 26th minute, Nazmul Huda Faisal’s shot from a corner deflected off an Indian defender and narrowly missed the goal. Shortly after, Indian goalkeeper Suraj Singh Aheibam made a crucial save from Murshed Ali’s free kick.
In the second half, India ramped up the pressure with a high-pressing strategy. Bangladesh's defense and goalkeeper Nahidul did well to hold off the attacks, with Nahidul making a key save in the 75th minute. Moments later, an Indian shot hit the crossbar, keeping the game level.
India's coach made four substitutions in the 77th minute, increasing the attacking momentum. Late efforts from Hemneichung Lunkim and Malngiang both missed, but it was Sumit Sharma's header in the 92nd minute that sealed the victory for India.
Bangladesh now faces a must-win scenario in their upcoming match against the Maldives.
