Bangladesh start with defeat against India

Bangladesh started their SAFF U-16 Championship campaign on a negative note, losing 1-0 against India at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu yesterday.

The boys in red and green, who won the event twice out of six times, conceded the only goal of the game in the 74th minute of the match.

The game was a fairly even affair but a dreadful error from defender Siam Omit led to the goal. Siam made heavy weather of a long-range ball from the Indian midfield, first miscuing his header under no pressure and the failing to clear the ball on second attempt. India forward Manbhakupar Malngiang got hold of the loose ball and attempted at goal. Bangladesh goalkeeper Nahidul Islam could only parry the effort in front of goal, with Usham Singh smashing home the rebound.

Coah Saifur Rahman Moni rued the mistake, but hoped his team would do better in their next match against Nepal.

"My team played well too. Our boys tried very hard. I told my boys, if you make mistakes India can win. Unfortunately, we missed a lot of chances. India didn't get many chances but my defender made a mistake and India scored," the former national team striker told the press after the match.

Bangladesh will take on Nepal in their second and final group game on Monday. India and Nepal will play the last match of the group on September 6, with top two teams from each of the two groups slated to advance to the semifinals.