Thimphu , Sep 2: Thoungamba Singh Usham scored as India U-16 men’s team secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over Bangladesh to open their SAFF U16 Championship campaign at the Changlimithang Stadium on Saturday.
Ishfaq Ahmed-coached side had to fight hard in their maiden international match. India were kept at bay by some solid goalkeeping from Bangladesh’s Nahidul Islam before Thoungamba Singh Usham netted the winning goal in the 74th minute.
India began the Group A fixture on the front foot, with Vishal Yadav the main creative force in the first half. In the 14th minute, he intercepted a pass before setting up Bharat Lairenjam, whose effort was saved one-on-one by Islam.
Minutes later, the Bangladesh custodian was called into action again as he tipped away Yadav’s left-footed shot on the turn.
Bangladesh also had their opportunities going forward but could not test Aheibam Suraj Singh in the Indian goal. Unlike his counterpart, he enjoyed a mostly comfortable afternoon under the Thimphu sun.
