India U-20 aim to extend winning start against Bangladesh U-20

India U-20 have already qualified for the semi-finals of the 2026 SAFF U-20 Championship.

India U-20 will play their second game in three days when they face Bangladesh U-20 in the last game of Group B of the 2026 SAFF U-20 Championship. The match is set to kick off at 16:15 PM IST at the National Football Stadium in Male, Maldives.

Mahesh Gawali’s squad began their campaign with a commanding 3-0 win over arch-rivals Pakistan U-20, eliminating the latter after losing both games against India and Bangladesh.

The Stakes

India U-20

Mahesh Gawali, the new head coach of India U-20 side would be delighted with the start he got as his side registered a convincing 3-0 win over rivals Pakistan U-20.

The young blue colts were on top of their game, dominating in the attack with little work done defensively.

Mahesh Gawali, the new head coach of India’s U-20 team, would be pleased to start off his tenure with a win as his side defeated rivals Pakistan U-20 3-0. The young blue colts were on top of their game, dominating the attack with very little defensive effort.

While Vishal Yadav began the scoring, Omang Dodum scored the second and third goals as Punjab FC’s teenage striker combo made headlines by winning the game for India.

Not only was the score impressive, but the performance was also rather good overall, with the defense seeing little action.

With qualification to the tournament’s semi-finals already secured, Mahesh Gawali will be seeking to maintain the winning run with yet another win against Bangladesh to finish the group as winners and enter the knockouts with more confidence.

Bangladesh U-20

Bangladesh, like India, are coming off an important 2-0 victory against Pakistan U-20 in the opening encounter. Similar to how India had little to do defensively against Pakistan, Bangladesh was constantly on the attacking end and had little to do defensively.

Even before the tournament began, the Sullivan brothers made headlines when twins Ronan and Declan chose to represent Bangladesh in international football despite being born and raised in the United States. Ronan came up to expectations, scoring a brace to clinch the victory, including a fantastic free kick from long range.

Head coach Mark Edward Cox would be looking for another win, to finish first in the group, and to face much easier opposition in the semi-finals, which would mean a relatively simple journey to the finals.

Team News

Both clubs have reported no significant injury concerns following their first group stage match and are likely to have a completely fit roster.

Head-to-Head

These two teams previously played in the finals of the 2025 SAFF U-19 Championship, which the Blue Colts won on penalties against the Bengal Tigers.

That team was coached by Bibiano Fernandes, and 13 Indian players from the present squad were on the squad that night.

Matches Played – 16

India U-20 wins – 6

Bangladesh U-20 wins – 4

Draws – 6

Predicted Lineups

India U-20 (4-2-3-1)

Suraj Singh (GK), Roshan Singh,Jodric Abranches, Bungson Singh, Yaipharemba Chingakam; Gurnaj Singh, Md Arbash; Vishal Yadav, Rishikanta Meitei, Danny Meitei; Omang Dodum.

Bangladesh U-20 (4-2-3-1)

Ismail Hossain (GK); Sheikh Sangram, Mithu Chowdhury, Yousuf Ali, Declan Sullivan; Chandon Roy, Kamal Merdha; Md Manik, Huda Faysal, Mursed Ali; Ronan Sullivan.

Players to Watchout

Omang Dodum (India U-20)

Omang Dodum, along with Vishal Yadav, has been a major attacking threat to India’s U-19/U-20 teams in recent competitions. Dodum, who plays for Punjab FC, performed admirably against Pakistan in the first encounter.

His first goal of the game, a header past a sprinting goalie, demonstrated the brilliant abilities he posses to lead the frontline of a team.

While the task was simple against Pakistan, it will be more difficult against Bangladesh, who have historically given India a tough game whenever the two sides meet.

With the match anticipated to be close, the Blue Colts will rely heavily on Dodum’s clinical abilities to score goals.

Ronan Sullivan (Bangladesh U-20)

Born in the United States and having spent the most of his childhood career abroad, the Sullivan brothers’ decision to represent Bangladesh surprised and excited football fans across the country.

While Declan did not have an opportunity to take part in the last game, Ronan demonstrated his abilities with two fantastic goals, one long-range free-kick and a typical poacher header.

While the Indian side kept a clean sheet in their first encounter, there were several instances in which opposing midfielders and forwards were allowed too much room and time on the ball. And if they afford to do the same against Bangladesh, Ronan will undoubtedly punish them by adding his name to the scoreboard.

Broadcast details

The match between India U-20 and Bangladesh U-20 will be played on Saturday, March 28 at the National Football Stadium in Male, Maldives.

The contest will begin at 4:15 PM IST and will be televised live on the SportzWorkz YouTube channel.

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