India U23 storm past Bhutan u23 5-0 in their U23 Tri-Nation campaign opener

Blue Colts scored four goals in the second half.

The India U23 men’s team thrashed the Bhutan U23 men’s team in their opening match of the Tri-Nation friendly 2026 at Arunachal Pradesh. The Blue Colts scored five goals against Bhutan; after that, they will face Tajikistan on March 31, 2026.

Just five goals? This match has been very impactful and dominating from the perspective of the India U23 men’s team. Under the guidance of Naushad Moosa, they played with a great attacking intent. The Indian team will look for their best win record in the tournament, which has seen two editions before.

Rickey Meetei scored in the first half, then in the second half, Suhail Bhat scored a brace, Tomba Singh, Thoi Singh and Ajsal scored for the Indian team. Suhail Ahmad Bhat (51’, 81’) scored a brace, while Ricky Meetei Haobam (44’), Tomba Singh Haobam (79’), and Muhammed Ajsal (85’) netted one each.

The Bhutan U23 men’s team has been eliminated from the tournament. With the clinical finishing, sharp movement, and midfield control Indian team showcased the dominance level of the team.

Rickey Meetei broke the deadlock for the Blue Colts

The Indian U23 men’s team has locked horns against the Bhutan U23 men’s team, as they scored in the first half with a blinder. They scored, and at the break, they led Bhutan U23 with a scoreline of 1-0 in their first match, as they will face Tajikistan on March 31. Rickey Meetei scored in India at the 43rd minute took the lead just before the break with a long-range strike as the Indian team dominated the entire half and finally converted the late chance. Under the coach Naushad Moosa, the coach played him like an attacking full back for this system, the sole player who can go offensive and also help in the defensive outputs.

India U23 started the match on the front foot and dominated the possession from the first minute of the game. The Blue Colts created multiple chances in the first 45 minutes, but didn’t convert those, which showed the attacking lapse. At the 35th minute of the game, Suhail got a chance, followed by Ebindas at the 37th minute. Ebindas also played well to put a good chance, but was not able to convert. Talking about some good points, India U23 midfielder Ebindas was on his day today against Bhutan U23, as he dictated the tempo and also helped a lot in creating chances.

Bhutan, on the other hand, relied on the quick counters but weren’t able as they struggled to break India’s organised backline.

Suhail Bhatt, with a brace as birthday boy, Ajsal scored the last

Starting from the second half, Suhail Bhat doubled the lead with his exceptional finishing. The Indian team got a double substitution as Dipesh came as a new goalkeeper, and Tomba Singh replaced Ebindas, who was magnificent against Bhutan. At the 69th minute, Fanai almost scored the third for the Blue Colts, as he made a good run ahead of the centre line and dodged a couple of defenders, but it went wide in the far post. Just as India finished the first half, just like that, they started the next, as possession and tempo were under Moosa’s army control.

In the 73rd minute, Thoi Singh came as the replacement of Adison, and as soon as he came, he got a good ball from Hnmate and almost scored, as the referee talked about corner kicks. Tomba Singh, from Inter Kashi FC, scored the third goal in the 79th minute with a long-range shot. He was also a debutant, as Suhail Bhat linked up with him, and Tomba scored. Just after one minute of the goal, Suhail made the scoreline 4-0 as he scored a beautiful brace.

The birthday boy, Muhammed Ajsal, made it 5-0 for the Indian team. India U23 thoroughly dominated the game as Bhutan were in the backend after the splash of attacks.

India U23: Priyansh Dubey (GK) (Dipesh Chauhan HT), Harsh Palande, Lalrinliana Hnamte (C), Pramveer, Suhail Ahmad Bhat, Ebindas Yesudasan (Tomba Singh Haobam HT), Lalremtluanga Fanai (Vinith Venkatesh 83′), Adison Singh Thokchom (Thoi Singh Huidrom 73′), Ronney Kharbudon, Lalthankima (Muhammed Ajsal 63′), Ricky Meetei Haobam.

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