The India U-16 men's team secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over Bangladesh to open its SAFF U16 Championship campaign here on Saturday.?
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The Ishfaq Ahmed-coached side, playing its first-ever international match, was kept at bay by some solid goalkeeping from Bangladesh's Nahidul Islam before Thoungamba Singh Usham netted the winning goal in the 74th minute.
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India began the Group A fixture on the front foot, with Vishal Yadav the main creative force in the first half. In the 14th minute, he intercepted a pass before setting up Bharat Lairenjam, whose effort was saved one-on-one by Islam.?
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Minutes later, the Bangladesh custodian was called into action again as he tipped away Yadav's left-footed shot on the turn.
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Bangladesh also had their opportunities going forward but could not test Aheibam Suraj Singh in the Indian goal. Unlike his counterpart, he enjoyed a mostly comfortable afternoon under the Thimphu sun.
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Most of India's threat in the second half came from long-range efforts. Lairenjam drove a half-volley from outside the box, which was strongly palmed away by Islam before Levis Zangminlun's free-kick flew over the crossbar.?
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Samson Ahongshangbam was unlucky to not score a sensational goal as his thumping free-kick from 35 yards out rattled onto the bar.
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However, just minutes later he joined his teammates as they rejoiced in Usham's breakthrough goal.?
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It materialised from substitute Manbhakupar Malngiang's persistence in the final third as he stole the ball from an opponent's feet before shooting on goal.?