India U-23 vs Bhutan U-23 Player Ratings: Suhail, Ajsal impress in thumping 5-0 win

India U-23 kicked off the Tri-Nation Championship with a 5-0 win over Bhutan U-23.

India, the hosts of the 2026 U-23 Tri-Nation Championship, began their campaign with a stunning 5-0 victory over Bhutan U-23 at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh.

Naushad Moosa’s team will face Tajikistan in the following game, with the winners taking the trophy. 

The Indian U-23 men’s team were the dominant team for the whole 90 minutes, continually attacking with minimal defensive effort required.

Naushad Moosa’s team performed poorly in the first half, missing many clear-cut chances. Ricky Meetei opened the scoring late in the half with a crisp right-footed strike from long range.

However, in the second half, it appeared like India was playing an online simulation game, with Naushad Moosa’s team scoring four goals to win by five goals to zero.

Bhutan had no chance and was pushed back into defense throughout the game.

India Player Ratings (by Shyam Sundar)

Priyansh Dubey – 6/10

Returning to the team, Priyansh played only 45 minutes before being replaced in the second half. With India controlling the first half easily, Priyansh had little to do in goal and was only tested once from a set-piece position.

Harsh Palande – 6/10

As previously said, the Indian defenders had nothing to do defensively in this game. As a result, Harsh was always involved in the attack and played considerably further advanced than his left-back position. He played a few risky crosses and hooked up wonderfully in the attack.

Pramveer Singh – 6/10

Pramveer, who had returned from an injury, began alongside Ronney in the middle of the defense. The Punjab FC defender was urging his team to play a high line, and he played a couple of through balls from the back to Indian wingers Laltankima and Adison Singh. Was booked at the hour mark for an aggressive challenge.

Ronney Kharbudon – 6/10

Ronney, who made his debut against Thailand in the previous game, remained in the starting lineup and performed admirably once more. When it came to defensive play, he was at his optimal efficiency.

Him and Pramveer performed an excellent job of maintaining possession of the ball and gradually developing attacking patterns from the back. Ronney was also India’s biggest threat in set-piece scenarios.

Ricky Meetei – 8/10

Ricky started as a right-back but played more like a right wing back, often attacking with minimal defensive effort. Ricky’s link-up play with the wingers was superb, as he delivered many dangerous deliveries into the area.

He opened the scoring for the Blue Colts late in the first half with a fantastic right-footed effort from the edge of the box that left the opposing goalkeeper with no chance.

Lalrinliana Hnamte – 6/10

Hnamte, the Indian U-23 captain, started as a midfield pivot with Fanai. Hnamte, a midfielder noted for his ability to make tackles and break up moves rather than his passing talents, stuck to his strengths by playing as a destroyer in the middle and formed a back three outside of possession.

Hnamte broke Bhutan’s attacking momentum with a few crunch tackles, cynical fouls, and critical interceptions.

Lalremtluanga Fanai – 7/10

The Bengaluru FC midfielder was in excellent form against Bhutan. With Hnamte handling the defensive duties, Fanai was allowed greater leeway in the attack and played the position of a deep lying playmaker, generating opportunities from midfield.

He also assisted on the opening goal, which was scored by his club mate Ricky.

He was shifted to an attacking role after Ebindas was replaced at the start of the second half. However, he continued to impress, going close to scoring with a superb move followed by a left-footed shot that was just off goal. He was also a threat from set pieces, with fantastic deliveries.

Adison Singh – 8/10

Adison Singh, making his debut for India, was one of the young Blue Tigers’ top performers on the field. Starting on the left wing, Adison frequently switched flanks with his clubmate Lalthankima.

Adison assisted on the second goal, playing a low cross that set up Suhail’s precise finish.

Aside from his assist, he was continually challenging the opposing defenders with his incredible runs. He came close to scoring in the first half with a stunning effort that was saved by the woodwork.

Ebindas Yesudasan – 7/10

Was brought off at halftime, and one wonders why after such a strong first half. Almost every Indian assault in the first half was started or orchestrated by Ebindas, who played in advanced midfield.

Despite making his debut with the squad, he appeared to have been playing at the U-23 level for quite some time. If the Indian strikers had been more clinical in the first half, Ebindas would have gotten an assist.

Lalthankima – 7/10

Lalthankima, like Adison Singh, was a constant threat to the opposition defence with his spectacular runs. He enjoyed his maiden appearance for India U-23, gliding past opponents, delivering dangerous crosses into the box, and collaborating beautifully with striker Suhail Ahmad Bhat.

He deserved at least one assist in the game for his great crosses, but his teammates let him down. He was replaced by Ajsal in the second half. He also had a scoring opportunity but fumbled it taking too many touches.

Suhail Ahmad Bhat – 9/10

Suhail put up a 10/10 display against Bhutan, scoring two goals and assisting while creating a handful of great opportunities. However, considering the couple of clear goal scoring opportunities he squandered in the first half, a 9/10 would be more appropriate.

After missing the scoring boots in the dressing room for the first half, Suhail turned up with them after the HT break, scoring the second and fourth goal for India while assisting the fifth goal scored by Muhammed Ajsal.

India Substitutes

Dipesh Chauhan – 6/10

Dipesh replaced Priyansh in the second half and was called upon several times. Every shot from Bhutan came right to him, and he did an excellent job catching them.

Tomba Singh – 8/10

After being called up to the Indian U-23 team for the first time, Naushad Moosa gave Tomba 45 minutes to show what he is capable of. Tomba took full use of the occasion.

The Inter Kashi midfielder was fantastic on the ball, gripping on to it like a magnet and making a few of line-breaking passes.

He capped his effort with a fantastic right-footed bullet strike from long range into the corner of the goal, leaving the opposing goalkeeper with no chance.

Muhammed Ajsal – 8/10

Ajsal, another fresh face in the Indian U-23 team, made the most of his opportunity with an excellent cameo off the bench. Ajsal, who played on the left flank, dribbled past the fullback with ease and generated many scoring opportunities.

He came close to scoring moments later but was thwarted by Bhutan’s final man on defense. However, minutes later, he scored his first goal in Indian colors, making his birthday really unique and unforgettable.

Thoi Singh – 7/10

Thoi had an immediate impact on the game, almost scoring with his first touch but was stopped by a goal line clearance from the Bhutan defense.

However, Thoi continued to attack, creating opportunities from the right wing. He assisted on Suhail’s second goal and India’s fourth of the night.

He had a good opportunity to score late in the game, but he missed an open goal, losing himself a terrific chance.

Vinith Venkatesh – 6/10

Vinith had little opportunity to establish himself and make an effect on the game after replacing Fanai in the final ten minutes.

Bhutan Player Ratings (By Preethi)

Lhocho Nima – 5/10

He had a very difficult game. He struggled with shot-stopping and was unable to save four goals, which heavily impacted his team. His positioning and reactions were off at crucial moments, and he seemed under pressure throughout.

While he may have had some routine saves, the overall performance was below standard, making him one of Bhutan’s weaker performers in this match.

Sangey Yoezer – 6/10

Sangey Yoezer had a solid performance before being substituted in the 60th minute. He was active, contributed well to both defensive and attacking phases, and showed good awareness on the ball.

Kinley Penjor – 6/10

Kinley Penjor was good with maintaining position and supporting teammates, but didn’t create significant chances or make standout defensive plays.

He struggled at crucial moments, most notably failing to stop Bhutan’s third conceded goal.

Kinzang Tashi – 5.5/10

Kinzang Tashi struggled defensively in this match. He had difficulty controlling the wingers and often got exposed in one-on-one situations.

His positioning and timing in tackles were inconsistent, which allowed India’s attackers to create several dangerous opportunities.

Pema Zangpo – 7/10

Captain Pema Zangpo had a strong all-around performance. He worked tirelessly throughout the 90 minutes, dropping back to help defend while also contributing in attack. His tackling was timely, and he created chances for teammates.

His leadership on the field was evident, keeping the team organized and motivated even under pressure.

Tshultrim Pelzang – 5.5/10

Tshultrim Pelzang struggled during transitions, often losing possession when moving the ball forward. His decision-making under pressure was inconsistent, which allowed India to exploit gaps and counterattack effectively.

While he contributed defensively at times, his difficulties in maintaining control and linking play limited his overall impact in the match.

Jetsujen Dorji – 6/10

Jetsuen Dorji had a difficult match, particularly in defense. He struggled to contain attackers and was caught out for India’s fourth goal.

Offensively, he tried to create chances and contribute in attack, but his efforts weren’t enough to offset his defensive shortcomings Overall, he wasn’t able to influence the game positively

Jigme Namgyal – 6/10

Jigme Namgyal worked hard throughout the match and showed good intent, especially with some well-placed crosses. However, he struggled in one-on-one defensive situations, which limited his overall effectiveness

Bikash Pradhan – 6/10

Bikash Pradhan had a mixed game. He was strong in duels, showing physicality and aggression in contests for the ball. However, he gave away possession too easily at times, which allowed India to build attacks.

Kinzang Tenzin – 6.5/10

Kinzang Tenzin showed intent in attack and took responsibility for set pieces, including free-kicks, though most were either deflected or saved. He tried to create opportunities and contribute to Bhutan’s offensive play, but wasn’t able to produce a huge impact

Sonam Jugdul – 5.5/10

Sonam Jugdul struggled to make an impact in attack and wasn’t able to create many clear chances. While he tried to participate in build-up play and support teammates, his contributions were limited, and he remained relatively quiet in the final third

Bhutan Substitutes

Palden Tshering – 6/10

Defensively, he was strong in duels, winning several key battles and helping to disrupt India’s attacking play. His physical presence and timing in challenges made him reliable in defensive situations.

Offensively, he showed intent by trying to create chances and support forward moves.

Gayden Rinchen – 7/10

Gayden Richen came on in the second half and immediately made a positive impact defensively. He performed his defensive duties very well, showing strong awareness, solid tackling, and good positioning to help stabilize Bhutan’s backline.

Though he had limited time on the pitch, he contributed to slowing down India’s attacks and provided a sense of reliability in defense. 

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.