India faces defeat in the SAFF U-20 by 2-1; Bangladesh emerges victorious
India faces defeat in the SAFF U-20 by 2-1; Defending champions India U-20 were defeated by Bangladesh U-20 1-2 in their first match of the SAFF U-20 Championship. The Championship was played at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday, the 27th of July 2022.
Bangladesh striker Md Piash Ahmed Nova scored 2 goals for the winners. Gurkirat Singh managed to net one for India. All three goals were scored in the first half of the football match.
Though India tried to seize the opportunity early, Bangladesh proved itself to be smarter as it caught the Indian defense unaware. The team laid counter-attacks and long balls with the intent behind the Indian defense.
A first-half brace from Md. Piash Ahmed Nova discouraged the Blue Tigers. A lone goal from Gurkirat Singh did not prove to be enough to save the Indian team.
Both sides looked nervy and enthusiastic in the opening exchanges. But soon Bangladesh emerged as the more aggressive side. They did not leave their counter-attacking system. They caught India off guard on multiple occasions.
In the 11th minute, Bangladesh managed to unlock the Indian defense but was unlucky to hit the frame. Forward Ahmed Nova pounced on a long ball chipping past the onrushing Indian goalkeeper. But, the ball backfired and bounced back into play.
Bangladesh soon broke the deadlock. The present spectators sent a ball upfield which in turn deflected off an Indian defender. The ball fell for Md. Piash Ahmed Nova. He went around the defenders and kicked the ball into the open net.
Another chance came for Bangladesh soon after. Moinul Islam failed to direct his header into the back of the net from the right. The defending champions took this opportunity to roar back into the game.
Vibin Mohan sent in a cross to the center of the opposition box after winning a free strike in the 35th minute. Gurkirat Singh buried the ball home with a thumping header.
The scoreline was equal. The hosts were on the front foot and took the lead. However, just seconds before the first-half whistle, the referee Tankadhar Bag awarded a penalty to Bangladesh.
Nova stepped up to take the penalty and replayed his goal. It was due to the two goals from the 16-year-old that his team took the lead.
Coming out after the break, India continued to struggle and push forward to find an elusive equalizer. However, most of their half attempts went in vain. The head coach, Shanmugam Venkatesh attempted to introduce fresh opportunities. In the process, he used up all his substitutions by the 70th minute.
Although India got a lot of opportunities, they failed to break down a stubborn rival defense.
Indian substitute Taison Singh received India’s final opportunity in extra time. He trapped the ball at the edge of the box and went past a few defenders. However, the defense recovered to deny him from scoring.
India is set to face Sri Lanka on July 29 at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.
Indian squad
- Bikash Yumnam (Captain)
- Zahid Hussain
- Tankadhar Bag (Pritam Meetei – 46th)
- Halen Nongtdu
- Amandeep
- Sibajit Leimapokpam
- Vibin Mohanan
- Vinay Hajri (Maheson Singh – 70th)
- Parthib Gogoi (Taison Singh – 54th)
- Gurkirat Singh (Shubho Paul – 70th)
- Brijesh Giri (Himanshu Jangra)
Bangladesh Squad
Goalkeepers
Md Emon
Md Asif
Shanto Kumar Ray
Defenders
Tanvir Hossain – Captain
Md Imran Khan
Ashikur Rahman
Shahin Ahammad
Md Rajon Hawladar
Azizul Hoque Ananto
Sirajul Islam Rana
Midfielders
Samuel Raksam
Sojol Tripura
Nazmul Huda Faysal
Akkas Ali
Mojibor Rahman Jony
Md Moinul Islam Moin
Shahidul Islam
Forwards
Md Nahian
Md Mursed Ali
Md Rafiqul Islam
Sajed Hasan Jummon
Md Piyash Ahmmed Nova
Miraj Islam