In a dramatic start to their SAFF U20 Championship campaign, India, playing with just nine men by the 69th minute, secured a 1-0 victory over Bhutan at the ANFA Complex in Lalitpur, Nepal. The match was marred by a scuffle that led to three red cards—two for India and one for Bhutan—altering the game’s dynamic.
India’s winning goal came from Monirul Molla, who headed in a corner from Kelvin Singh Taorem in the 37th minute. The Blue Colts dominated early, with Gurnaj Singh Grewal and Kelvin Singh Taorem creating chances from long-range and set-pieces. Bhutan’s first real threat came from a free-kick, but Manjot Singh Dhami blocked Jignam Dorji’s shot.
The second half saw continued pressure from India, with Kelvin’s corners causing problems for Bhutan. However, the game turned chaotic in the 69th minute when a scuffle led to red cards for Bhutan’s Kinley Gyeltshen and India’s Pramveer and Vanlalpeka Guite, both of whom had just entered the match. This left India with nine players and Bhutan with ten.
Despite being outnumbered, India held firm against Bhutan’s increased pressure. Jigme Namgyel came close twice for Bhutan, hitting the side netting and sending a shot wide. In injury time, Gwgwmsar Goyary’s pass almost set up Manglenthang Kipgen, but India’s Penjoy made a crucial save. Kipgen later lobbed a shot that was tipped onto the crossbar by Bhutan’s goalkeeper. Bhutan’s last chance, a shot by Pema Zangpo, struck the post.
India’s resilience ensured they secured all three points, despite the intense and challenging conditions.
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