Thimpu (Bhutan), Sep 21 (IANS) India got off to a winning start in the Under-17 SAFF Championship with a 1-0 win over Bangladesh at the Changlimithang Stadium. The game remained deadlocked for 91 minutes until Sumit Sharma's brilliant header won the match for the country.
Bangladesh, however, were never going to be easily outdone. They were a tough challenge even 12 months ago, where India beat them 1-0 in the group stage of the SAFF Under-16 Championship and then 2-0 in the final. As usual, it was going to be a close contest. But head coach Ishfaq Ahmed was not too happy with the performance in the first 45 minutes.
“Believe me, you don't want to hear what I told them at half-time. I was very angry with them because I know the level of these guys. We changed things because Bangladesh had set a low, mid-block. We sent Vishal (Yadav) to the left and Samson (Ahongshangbam) to the right because we wanted to open them up more on the wings and create chances from wide positions because that's usually the only way to beat such a setup,” Ahmed was quoted as saying by the AIFF.
This benefited India as they continued to dominate on the wings in the second half. Ahmed's substitutions were on point as they infused more pace through the fresh legs of Rishi Singh and Manbhupar Malangiang. It was the latter who assisted Sumit's winning goal with a fine cross after a short-corner routine.
Set pieces are something the Blue Colts have focused on throughout the camp. Sumit's goal was neither a surprise nor something new. He scored the winning goal with a header in a friendly against Indonesia last month.
“Yes, it is part of our strategy. We had tall players like Sumit and Kaif, and then I added Jodrick as well. When you have players like that, you should train and take advantage of it.”
Ahmed said the team's attitude is something that can be improved in the upcoming matches as India look to defend their title in Bhutan.
“I think our attitude was better in the second half. We were more calm. I think that was the issue that bothered me a bit personally, as a coach because you have to take all opponents and every match seriously. We showed more urgency after the break and created a lot of chances. We should have created a few more chances, but overall, I am happy. These are 16-year-olds, they need time, and they are moving fast.”
“I know their level and they can get better. But this is the first match of the tournament and we have started with a win. Hopefully, we will be able to continue improving,” Ahmed said.
India will take on Maldives in their second and final Group A match on September 24. The semi-finals will be held on September 28, while the final will be held on September 30.
–IANS
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