India kicked off their SAFF U20 Championship Group B campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bhutan at the ANFA Complex in Lalitpur, Nepal, on August 19, 2024.

Despite being reduced to nine men by the 69th minute, the Indian team held their nerve, fending off intense pressure from Bhutan to secure all three points, courtesy of a well-placed header from Monirul Molla.

Early Dominance from India

India began the game in control, asserting their dominance with quick passing and high pressing. They maintained a high backline, keeping Bhutan pinned deep in their own half. The first major opportunity came when Gurnaj Singh Grewal intercepted a pass from Bhutan’s goalkeeper, Lhocho Nima, and attempted an audacious shot from over 40 yards. However, Nima was alert and managed to recover the ball just in time.

Set-pieces were a consistent threat for India, with Kelvin Singh Taorem delivering dangerous curling balls into the Bhutan penalty area. In the 14th minute, one such delivery found Thomas Cherian in the box, but his header glanced wide of the post.

While India controlled the ball and created chances, Bhutan struggled to mount any significant attacks. Their first real opportunity came from a free-kick in the 19th minute, earned after a foul on captain Pema Zangpo. Zangpo’s delivery found Jignam Dorji, but his effort was blocked by the Indian defense.

Monirul Molla Breaks the Deadlock

As Bhutan tightened up defensively, India shifted to long-range attempts to break through. Kelvin attempted a shot from 35 yards, but it sailed over the crossbar. Korou Singh Thingujam came closer minutes later, with a dipping shot that narrowly missed the target.

India’s persistence finally paid off in the 37th minute. Kelvin’s pinpoint corner found Monirul Molla, who rose above the Bhutan defenders to head the ball into the bottom corner, giving India a well-deserved 1-0 lead. Molla’s goal injected confidence into the Indian side as they continued to press forward in search of a second.

A Chaotic Turn of Events

India’s control of the match was abruptly challenged in the second half. Kelvin’s set-piece deliveries continued to cause trouble for Bhutan, with Ebindas Yesudasan’s header in the 52nd minute missing the post by a narrow margin. However, the match took a dramatic turn in the 69th minute, when a scuffle between players resulted in three red cards. Bhutan’s Kinley Gyeltshen and India’s Pramveer and Vanlalpeka Guite were all sent off, leaving India with nine players on the field and Bhutan with ten.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, India continued to create opportunities. Monirul Molla, once again, nearly doubled the lead with a solo run from the halfway line, but he was denied by an excellent save from Bhutan’s goalkeeper, Nima.

Bhutan’s Late Surge

With India reduced to nine men, Bhutan saw their chance to exploit the situation and began piling pressure on the Indian defense. Jigme Namgyel came close twice, hitting the side netting and later flashing a low shot just wide of the post. Rigzin Dorji also had a golden opportunity to level the score, but his attempt was thwarted by Indian goalkeeper Priyansh Dubey, who managed to recover in time.

The final minutes of the game were filled with tension, as Bhutan launched wave after wave of attacks in search of an equalizer. In the 93rd minute, India came close to sealing the victory when Gwgwmsar Goyary set up Manglenthang Kipgen inside the box, but Bhutan’s Kinley Penjoy produced a last-ditch block to deny a certain goal. Kipgen had another chance in the 99th minute, with a lobbed effort from 25 yards that was pushed onto the crossbar by Nima.

India Holds Firm

Bhutan’s final chance of the match came when Zangpo found himself in behind the Indian defense, but his left-footed shot struck the post, much to the relief of the Indian bench. Despite the late pressure, India’s defense stood firm, and they managed to preserve their 1-0 lead until the final whistle.

A Gritty Victory for India

India’s narrow victory over Bhutan showcased the team’s resilience and determination. Despite being down to nine men for the final 20 minutes, they held their ground and secured a crucial three points to begin their SAFF U20 Championship campaign. Monirul Molla’s header may have been the difference on the scoreboard, but it was India’s collective defensive effort that ensured the victory. As they look ahead to their next group stage match, the Blue Colts will aim to build on this gritty performance and push for a strong finish in the tournament.