India U-20 vs Bangladesh U-20 Player Ratings: Vishal Yadav, Abdul Riyad shine while Roshan disappoints

The last group stage game of the SAFF U-20 ended in a 1-1 stalemate

India U-20 and Bangladesh U-20 played out a 1-1 draw in the last group stage game of the 2026 SAFF U-20 Championship at the National Football Stadium in Male, Maldives. And like with every India against Bangladesh game at regardless of age bracket, the game was intensely competitive, with Sandip Nandy and Edward Cox being sent off and Mahesh Gawali receiving a yellow card.

Mahesh Gawali made three changes to the squad that defeated Pakistan in the tournament’s first game. Mohammed Kaif, Rishi Singh, and Samson replaced Bungson Singh, Gurnaj Singh, and Rohen Singh, respectively.

The first half began slowly, with both teams showing signs of rustiness in their final passes in the attacking third. The half-finished 1-1, with Vishal Yadav and Abdul Riyad capitalizing on opportunities to score for their respective teams.

The second half followed the same pattern, with end-to-end football but no result, and ended 1-1.

India U-20 player ratings (by Shyam Sundar)

Suraj Singh (GK) – 7/10

Suraj had a solid game in goal, with the goalkeeper rarely called upon to make acrobatic or reflexive saves. Suraj was primarily challenged by Bangladeshi players from set-piece scenarios, and he looked commanding in all except one of them, which India conceded.

Suraj raced to the ball and attempted to knock it away, but utterly missed, leaving Abdul Riyad with an empty goal to score in. Apart from that, the Indian skipper appeared calm and also received the Man of the Match Award.

Roshan Singh – 5/10

The Mohun Bagan SG defender appeared confident at the back for the majority of the game, with the exception of the action in which Bangladesh equalized. Abdul Riyad turned in Ronan Sullivan’s corner to the far post after Roshan Singh lost his man.

Aside from that error, Roshan looked excellent defensively, making a couple vital interceptions to keep threatening crosses out of the path of Bangladesh’s target man Ronan Sullivan.

Jodric Abranches – 6/10

The Dempo SC defender performed well in the heart of the defense, keeping the opposing striker silent and giving him no opportunity. Jodric’s style of play was no-nonsense, as he intercepted and blocked every Bangladesh attack.

He had a chance to score in the first half when Oman Dodum’s free kick found an unmarked Jodric at the far post, but the latter was unable to keep his header on goal from a tricky angle.

Mohammed Kaif – 6/10

Mahesh Gawali brought Kaif into the starting lineup, replacing Bungson Singh, who sustained a niggle in the last game against Pakistan. The SC Delhi midfielder was on top of his game, exploiting his aerial threat and physical strength to give Ronan Sullivan no chance.

Kaif was aggressive in his defending, constantly on the front foot, going up from the defense into the midfield to win balls farther up the field and launch India’s attacks.

Yaipharemba Chingakam – 6/10

Yaipharemba, who started at right back, performed effectively defensively. He, like Kaif, utilized his physicality to keep the Bangladeshi winger quiet.

He produced a few of vital blocks and interceptions, but he was absent moving forward, and the link-up play between Yaipharemba and Rishi on the right side was shaky.

Samson Ahongshangbam – 5/10

Samson replaced Gurnaj Singh, who started and assisted in the team’s most recent match against Pakistan. The game had nothing to offer in the middle, as it played end-to-end, with neither side’s midfield asserting dominance over the game.

Samson made several vital tackles in the middle, disrupting the opposition’s movements. However, his passing and ability to carry the ball forward were ineffective.

Samson ended the game on the left wing after Vishal Yadav was hauled out.

Rishikanta Meitei – 5/10

Rishikanta, like Samson, produced many blocks and interceptions to disrupt play in the middle, displaying his defensive skills.

However, moving forward, he was unable to contribute much because his passes were primarily sideways and backwards.

Vishal Yadav – 8/10

This man opened the score for the young Blue Colts once more, exactly as he had done against Pakistan. Vishal gave India the lead in the first half with a goal from an in-swinging corner from his clubmate Omang Dodum.

Aside from the goal, Vishal showed excellent work rate throughout the game, tracking back to assist his full-back Roshan Singh and executing a number of spectacular solo dribbles on counterattacks.

He was forced to leave the game in the last minutes owing to cramping.

Md Arbash – 5/10

Arbash, who started in an offensive midfield role ahead of Rishi and Samson, did not have the finest first half performance. The Bengaluru FC teenager had a quiet first half, failing to get more on the ball and create chances.

However, in the second half, he saw more of the ball and was able to link with his strikers while also creating a couple set-piece opportunities. Aniket Yadav replaced him around the 70-minute mark.

Rishi Singh – 6/10

Rishi Singh’s performance on the right flank was less effective than Vishal’s from the left. However, Rishi made a good influence on the game, making a number of great runs past Bangladesh’s defenders. Rishi’s game was lacking in only one aspect: the quality of the final ball.

Rishi was shifted to midfield following Arbash’s replacement around the hour mark. In the closing minutes of the game, he made a magnificent line-breaking pass forward to Omang, who was unable to convert it into a winner.

Omang Dodum – 6/10

Omang had a relatively quiet hour or so, with no opportunities provided for him from open play. However, the Punjab FC youngster made an impression in that part of the game with his brilliant set pieces. His delivery from a corner kick gave India the lead in the first half.

Around the hour mark, he had a fantastic opportunity to give India the lead when a Bangladesh defender made a terrible back-pass direct to his legs, but Omang lost his balance and failed to score.

He also had a fantastic opportunity to score the winning goal late in the second half, but his terrible first touch cost him the chance.

Substitutes

Aniket Yadav – 5/10

Aniket Yadav replaced Arbash for the final twenty minutes of the game, but, like other Indian midfielders, he was unable to establish himself in the midfield due to his lack of passing and ability to hang onto the ball and build attacking patterns of play.

He also received a yellow card late in the game.

Rohen Singh – 6/10

Rohen Singh came on in the 78th minute to replace the injured Vishal Yadav. He played on the right wing but was unable to make an impression with his crosses or dribbles in his brief time on the game.

Prashan Jojo – 6/10

Mahesh Gawli substituted Jojo for Rishi Singh in the 90th minute to give the team some fresh legs and keep the result intact. Jojo did not have enough time to establish himself in the game, having only played 5 minutes.

Malemngamba Singh – 6/10

Malemngamba, a defender by trade, was substituted for Omang Dodum as a striker in the last minutes of the game. However, he just had six minutes to get a winner and was unable to do so.

Bangladesh U-20 player ratings (By Preethi)

MD Ismail Hossain Mahin – 7/10

Mahin had a fairly solid outing in goal. He showed good reflexes on a couple of saves and handled routine shots with confidence. His positioning was generally reliable, helping him deal with crosses and long-range efforts without much trouble. However, under sustained pressure from India, his distribution looked a bit inconsistent at times, and he could’ve been quicker in organizing the defense.

Still, he did his job reasonably well

MD Mithu Choudhary – 7/10

Mithu put in a strong captain’s performance, especially defensively. He was one of Bangladesh’s most reliable defenders He was solid in tackles, good in duels, and showed leadership at the back. He handled pressure well and helped organize the defensive line against India’s attacks.

Going forward, he showed intent by taking a few shots, which is a positive sign of confidence and responsibility, but received a yellow card due to an unnecessary challenging tackle

Ihsan habib Riduan – 6.5/10

Ihsan Habib delivered a strong performance at center-back. He was composed in his positioning and did well to deal with India’s attacking threats, making important interceptions and clearances.

Ashikur Rahman – 6/10

Ashikur started the match well and looked lively before his injury. He had a good game in terms of movement, and involvement in play, showing promise in both attack and buildup phases. Unfortunately, being forced off in the 39th minute limited his overall impact on the game.

MD Kamal Merdha – 6.5/10

His brilliant runs stretched India’s defense and consistently created space for teammates. He combined pace with smart movement, making him a constant threat down his flank or through the middle.

Chandon Roy – 6.5/10

He effectively linked defense and attack, maintained possession well, and distributed the ball intelligently. He also supported the defense when needed and occasionally pushed forward to help in attacks.

MD Manik – 7/10

His dribbling was a key asset, allowing him to take on defenders and create space for teammates. He also contributed on set pieces, taking corners with decent accuracy

Nazmul Huda Faysal – 7/10

Faysal had a solid all-round performance and was especially important on set pieces, delivering corners with decent accuracy and intent. His balls into the box created some pressure on India’s defense and showed good technique.

MS Musrsed Ali – 7/10

Mursed Ali was one of Bangladesh’s most alert and combative players. He read the game well, winning timely duels and making crucial tackles to disrupt India’s attacks. His consistency and energy made him a key player in midfield or defensive duties

Ronan Benjamin Sullivan – 7/10

Sullivan was one of the most dangerous players on the pitch right from the start, attacking as early as the second minute and constantly putting pressure on India’s defense. His directness and intent made him a key outlet going forward. The highlight of his performance was the assist showing good awareness and delivery in a crucial moment. Beyond that, his attacking runs and energy kept Bangladesh competitive in the final third

Sheikh Sangram- 6/10

He was reliable in his role, maintaining position and contributing to both defensive and attacking phases when needed. He was substituted at the beginning of the second half

Substitutes

MD Abdul Riyad Fahim – 8/10

Adul Riyad came on as a substitute for Ashikur in the 39th minute and made an immediate impact. He scored the equalizer from a corner, demonstrating excellent positioning and composure. Beyond the goal, he created additional chances and added energy to Bangladesh’s attack. He did receive a yellow card, but his overall influence in a short period was very significant, making him one of the standout performers off the bench.

Sani Das – 6/10

Sani Das came on late and had limited time to influence the game. He stayed disciplined and maintained his position well

Alem Hemel – 6/10

Alem Hemel’s brief appearance saw him perform steadily, supporting teammates and keeping shape. With little time on the pitch, he wasn’t able to make a significant impact but made few really timely tackles

Sree Sumon – 6.5/10

Sree Sumon Saran made the most of his limited time on the pitch. He showed composure, contributed effectively in defense, and helped maintain team structure.

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