India determined to continue momentum against Bhutan in SAFF U17 Championship 2025

India will face Bhutan in their second group stage game.

The Indian U17 team is set to lock horns with Bhutan in the second group B fixture. The Blue Colts started the tournament with an incredible 6-0 win against the Maldives in the opener on Tuesday. Dallalmuon Gangte was the highest scorer for India with a brace to his name.

Hrishikesh Charan Manavathi, Kamgouhao Doungel, Wangkheirakpam Gunleiba, and Aazim Parveez Najar also contribute with a goal each. This is the first win for Bibiano Fernandes after returning to the helm of the Indian U17 team.

Also Read: India hammer Maldives to begin their SAFF U17 Championship title defense

The Stakes

India U17

For the India U17 boys, the game against Bhutan will be more crucial. Each team will play only three matches in the group stage. Team India can’t afford to put the guard down. Three points will be the desired result in all the group stage games if the Blue Tigers aim to qualify for the knockouts.

More than the knockouts, it is important for Bibiano Fernandes not to struggle against teams from the subcontinent. He is preparing his team for the upcoming AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers. Losing any match in the SAFF U17 Championship will raise serious questions over the team’s ability.

Bhutan U17

Bhutan suffered a crushing defeat in their first group stage game against Pakistan. Bhutan lost to the former SAFF U17 champions in a 4-0 rout. The last edition’s hosts were never in the game as they were under the pump throughout the ninety minutes.

Bhutan conceded the first goal in the 15th minute. From there, the game was all about Pakistan dictating terms. The challenge for Bhutan will be tougher in the second game as they face 6-time champions India. The Indian team is also in a great goalscoring form, and Bhutan’s defence might again face the music.

Team News

Both teams will have their full-strength squad available for the game.

Probable Lineups

India U17

Manashjyoti Baruah, Denny Singh Wangkhem, Maldino Singh Yumnam, Shubham Poonia, Korou Meitei, Thonggoumang Touthang, Kamgouhao Doungel, Dallalmuon Gangte, Houlongou Mate, Hrishikesh Manavathi, Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam

Bhutan U17

Tashi Yonten, Deychog Drakar Dorji, Tshendu Jamtsho, Rigsel Tshewang Sonam, Kuenzang Rigzin Gyeltshen, Tenzin Namgyel, Sayon Lama, Yonten Tharchen, Dhendup Gyeltshen, Pema Gyatsho Tshering, Thinley Dhendup Dorji

Player to watch out for

Kamgouhao Doungel (India)

Kamghou Doungel opened his account in the SAFF U17 Championship with his first goal against the Maldives. Tuesday. He was quick and sharp in the box to pounce on a cross. This attribute of his will put the Bhutan defence under pressure.

The Manipuri forward has been among the goals in the last couple of seasons, and he will be aiming to extend his goalscoring form in the second game with another impactful outing. Bibiano Fernandes would want Doungel to keep racking up goals ahead of the AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers.

Where to watch India vs Bhutan in SAFF U17 Championship 2025?

All the matches in the SAFF U17 Championship 2025 will be live-streamed on the Sportzworkz YouTube Channel.

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