Ratings: Determined India edge past Bangladesh in SAFF U-16 Championship opener

Thoungamba Singh Usham scored the winner for India

The Indian U-16 team commenced their campaign on a victorious note in the SAFF U-16 Championship 2023, emerging triumphant over Bangladesh in their inaugural match. Led by their skilled coach and bolstered by a talented roster of young footballers, the Indian squad showcased their immense potential and determination on the field.

It was in the 74th minute when Thoungamba Singh Usham, a promising young talent, etched his name on the scorecard after brilliantly capitalized on a scoring opportunity while launching a powerful strike into the net of Bangladesh's team.

India Player Review (By Gourav Samal)

Aheibam Suraj Singh - 7

Performance of Aheibam in effectively distributing the ball and negating Bangladesh's goal-scoring tactics was commendable, although it should be noted that it was not extensively tested.

Mohammed Kaif - 7

Kaif, the captain of the Indian team, displayed a reserved performance characterized by a preference for short passes. However, he adeptly guided his team, ultimately contributing to a goal in the second half.

Karish Soram - 6

Soram displayed commendable defensive skills in effectively neutralizing the opposition's offensive threats. Furthermore, his adeptness in advancing forward proved valuable, as evidenced by his ability to generate notable goal-scoring opportunities through precise and inviting crosses.

Mate Ngamgouhou - 7

Ngamgouhou displayed excellent defensive prowess as a commanding figure at the back, seldom allowing his backline to be threatened. With remarkable speed and astute game-reading abilities, he effectively intercepted opposing attacks, resulting in numerous clean sheets for his team.

Levis Zanhminlun - 6.5

Levis contributed significantly to the midfield for India, displaying excellent ball progression through precise and accurate passes. He adeptly regained possession, demonstrated strong defensive skills with well-executed challenges, and effectively facilitated his team's control over the game.

Md Arbash - 6

Arbash consistently executed intelligent off-the-ball movements to strategically disrupt the opposition and create opportunities. Additionally, he exerted a significant impact on the outcome of the match by delivering exceptional set pieces and crosses, continuously troubling the opponents.

Bharat Larenjam - 7

Bharat demonstrated remarkable agility and speed while maneuvering through the midfield, effectively challenging the opposing defenders. However, regrettably, he was unable to produce any significant scoring opportunities.

Vishal Yadav - 6.5

Vishal demonstrated commendable wing-play, particularly in the initial half, bolstering the Indian team's offensive capabilities with his adeptness at providing width and speed.

Vumlenlal Hangshing - 7

Hangshing caused problems for Bangladesh with his intelligent movements on the field. He capitalized on some lapses in defending by employing clever strategies. He demonstrated effective communication and coordination with his teammates, constantly putting the opposing goalkeeper to the test.

Samson Ahongshangbam - 7

Samson demonstrated commendable aptitude in establishing effective link-up play with his teammates, thereby orchestrating cohesive and fluid moves. However, regrettably, he was unable to consistently challenge the opposition's goalkeeper.

Thoungamba Singh Usham - 8

The pivotal goal scorer of the game, upon whom India relied for their victory, demonstrated exceptional skill in accurate passing and adeptly destabilizing the opposing team's defense.

Substitutes

Manbhakupar Malngiang - 7.5

He orchestrated several remarkable opportunities for the team, including one that led to a goal. Demonstrated proficiency in receiving passes and showcased exceptional abilities, thereby ensuring the team maintained a one-point advantage over the opposition.

Yaipharemba Chingakham - 6

He undertook daring and satisfying solitary ventures on occasion, yet he failed to pose a substantial challenge for the Bangladesh team.

Rishi Singh - 4

Rishi was replaced during the 80th minute of the game. Unfortunately, he had limited time to exhibit his skills, but he performed commendably during his brief appearance.

Renin Singh Chingtham - 4.5

The final replacement player on the Indian team did not have a significant impact in the forward position during the limited time they were on the field.

Bangladesh U-16 (By Analoy Majumder)

Md Nahidul Islam - 7.5

The young goalie seemed very confident under the post in today’s match against India. Made some important saves for the team. His outings today were also very impressive. Also, commanded the six-yard box well at corners and set-pieces but got nothing to do with the goal he conceded.

Nazmul Huda Faysal - 7.5

Played as perfect number 10. The Bangladesh captain did very well today in creating multiple goal scoring opportunities for his team against the U-16 blue tigers. His ball holding capacity along with his vision of passing in the final third of India was too impressive. Faysal was successful in keeping the Indian goalkeeper busy.

MD Imran Khan - 7.0

Imran did a great job in the defence today. He was defensively solid today in the backline of Bangladesh’s side. MD Imran was there in the box, whenever the Indian attackers came to find the back of the net and made some clear tackles and intercepted the ball quite a lot of times.

MD Siam Omit - 7.0

The young defender did a great job in the defence pairing alongside Imran Khan and Ismail Hossen. Made a number of positive clearances and was quick with the ball. Also, came for overlapping when needed in the midfield.

Md Ismail Hossen - 6.5

Ismail did well in today’s game against India. He also delivered strong command in the backline alongside other defenders. As a young player, he could have undoubtedly contributed more in terms of engagement in attacks, but his manner of play ensured that he would play better in the next game.

Ashikur Rahman - 6.5

He is the type of defender who is confident with tackling and positioning. The Bangladeshi teenager played effectively alongside other defenders and successfully held off the Indian attacks but still could not stop his team from conceding the goal in the second half.

MD Kamal Merdha - 6.5

Today, Kamal Merdha put in a strong shift. The youthful star put on a fine performance in the middle of the field, was effective with the ball while also excelling at providing the defence with much-needed help when India was in complete control.

MD Mithu Chowdhury - 6.5

Mithu in today’s match made a few positive runs with the ball and did hold up the play in the midfield. Later in the second half he was substituted and Junaid Cishty came in place of him in search of the equaliser.

MD Mursed Ali - 7.0

Mursed Ali, the jersey number 11 controlled the midfield today for Bangladesh with quite a number of attacking runs, defence splitting passes and delivered good command. Although he had a lot of willingness to confound the Indian defenders, his attacking could have been considerably more effective.

MD Abu Sayed - 6.0

Abu Sayed in the first half got a good chance to score but did not find the back of the net. Made some positive attack opportunities from midfield to the final third of India but failed to create any major impact.

Sw e Mong Singh Marma - 7.0

Mong Singh Marma did his best to find a goal for his team. He created multiple goal scoring chances and defence splitting passes, but just to find the back of the net. The youngstar Mong Singh moved forward, placed himself in scoring positions, and then turned around to defend.

Substitutes

Junaid Cishty - 7.0

Junaid Cishty entered the pitch in place of Mithu Chowdhury and attempted to make an immediate impact on the ground. He delivered a few  deadly crosses from the right flank but was unable to find any of his teammates. No doubt would have proved more worthy if brought earlier in the game.