Suhail Bhat & two Indian players who impressed in 3-2 defeat against Tajikistan U23

Parthib Gogoi & Bhat were the two goal scorers on the day

India U23 sustained a gut-wrenching 3-2 defeat against Tajikistan U23 in the first of their two matches in the Tajikistan tour. The Blue Colts actually produced a pretty hard-fought effort, taking the lead twice in the game through goals from Suhail Bhat and substitute Parthib Gogoi.

However, Ayush Chhetri’s sending-off in the second half left Naushad Moosa’s side in a vulnerable position. They ended up conceding three goals in the second half, including a stoppage-time goal, to go down to a loss. Despite the defeat, there were a few promising performances for the India U23 side.

These players gave their all on the pitch, working hard and being quite efficient with their output to put the hosts under pressure. Here we look at the top three Indian performers from the loss to Tajikistan U23.

3. Parthib Gogoi

Parthib Gogoi was perhaps a bit unfortunate not to get a starting role for the Blue Colts against Tajikistan U23, but made sure to make an impact after coming on as a substitute.

The NorthEast United forward was introduced in the second half and was able to torment the relatively tired oppoisition defenders with his smart movement. Gogoi was sharp with his movement and link-up play and pounced on a big chance in the 85th minute after being sent through on goal by Mohammed Aimen.

The NorthEast United forward expertly ran past his marker and brilliantly finished with a clean shot on target, putting his side in the lead for the second time in the game. Unfortunately for him, India U23 ended up conceding two late goals to lose the game, but his bright cameo was one of the best things for the Blue Tigers.

Also Read: India U23 vs Tajikistan U23 Persistent attack, defensive woes, and other talking points

2. Macarton Nickson

It was probably a good day to be a NorthEast United fan, considering many of their players impressed for India U23 against Tajikistan. Macarton Nickson Louis was fortunate enough to get a starting role for the Blue Colts and took up his opportunity perfectly. The young Indian midfielder operated in an attacking midfield role, where he harassed the opposition players with his smart pressing and defensive work.

Nickson was aggressive with his approach and showed zero fear against Tajikistan, even clattering their players with a few rough challenges. Nickson was not efficient with his ball-winning ability, but he moved the ball around really well.

He produced a lovely cross to set up the opening goal for Bhat, timing his pass perfectly to allow his teammate to tap it into the back of the net. Nickson was industrious and impactful in the midfield and is in line to get more appearances for the Blue Colts going forward.

1. Suhail Bhat

Suhail Bhat was one of the players to have debuted for the India senior team to start for India U23 in the Tajikistan game and he did not let his side down. Wearing no.7 on the day, he was a proactive figure in the opposition half, harassing them with this relentless closing down and helping his side win back the ball in key positions.

He did a pretty good job with his link-up play and hold-up play to trouble the centre-backs and timed his movement smartly to get past his marker with ease.

The Mohun Bagan forward was able to put his side ahead in the first half after skipping past a defender and smartly finishing from close range to show off his instinctive goalscoring qualities. Bhat worked his socks off throughout his performance and proved why he should be leading the line for the Indian senior team very soon.

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