Sumit Sharma the saviour

Reigning champions India were made to sweat it hard before they managed to score the match winner in added time of second half in their opening round robin Group A league match against their nemesis Bangladesh in the ongoing SAFF Men's U17 Championship being played at the picturesque Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan on Friday night.

 After struggling to breach a determined Bangladesh defence for most part of the encounter despite complete dominance over the proceedings, Indian defender Sumit Sharma made all the difference with a deft header in the 91st minute that spun off the pitch of a well measured cross by substitute Manbhakupar Malngiang from the right flank.

Earlier the Ishfaq Ahmed coached Indian side were unlucky multiple times in the final 20 minutes too despite going all-out in search of a goal. A goal-bound long-ranger by Samson Ahongshangbam ricocheted off the crosspiece and later a header from winger Yaipharemba Chingakham missed the target by a whisker even as Bangladesh defence withstood the storm.

Indian Head Coach post the match said Ishfaq Ahmed felt that his team's attitude is something that can be better in the upcoming games as India look to defend their title in Bhutan.

"I think our attitude in the second half was better. We were more relaxed. I think that was the issue which I, personally, as a coach, was a bit upset about because you have to take all opponents and every match seriously. We showed more urgency after the break and created a lot of chances. Should've converted a couple more, but overall, I'm happy. These are 16-year-old kids, they need time, and they are growing fast”.

He further added "I know their level and they can be better. But it's the first match of the tournament and we made a winning start. Hopefully, we can continue to keep improving."

Later Major Gen. Prasanna Kishore Mishra, AVSM, YSM, SM, Commandant, IMTRAT (Bhutan) met the India U17 Men's team and offered a few words of encouragement for the boys and wished them all success for the tournament.

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’)

India will next face Maldives in their second and final Group A match on 24th September. The semi-finals between the top teams of each group are scheduled for 28th September, followed by the grand final on 30 September.

Result

India 1 (Brahmacharimayum Sumit Sharma 90+1') beat Bangladesh 0. (HT 1-0)

Photo Cover : The Indian Men’s U17 team led by midfielder Ngamgouhou Mate (2^nd Row third from Left) pose for a group photo before the start of the match

Photo Above : Indian Defender Sumit Sharma (4th from Right) made all the difference with a deft header in the 91st minute against Bangladesh (Photos Courtesy The-AIFF)