Male, March 31: Defending champions India will face Bhutan in a semi-final of the SAFF U20 Championship at the National Stadium in Male on Wednesday, with the other last-four tie featuring Nepal and Bangladesh. The Blue Colts arrive after a three-day break that the squad used to recover physically, reset mentally and build team cohesion ahead of the knockout stage.
India combined light recreation — including a team day at the beach — with focused training sessions, and coaches reported renewed sharpness and enthusiasm as preparations intensified. India topped Group B after a 3-0 win over Pakistan and a 1-1 draw with Bangladesh, showing composure and resilience in moments that demanded patience and discipline.
Head coach Mahesh Gawli praised his players’ attitude and effort, saying, “The boys have been playing well as they handled pressure well. We didn’t get time to prepare before the tournament, but the boys are giving their 100 per cent. I am really happy and proud of the way we have performed so far.” He cautioned, however, that the semi-final will require improvement in finishing and concentration, adding: “Nothing is easy. We created chances to score, and we need to convert more. We also need to be more focused when defending.”
Bhutan reached the last four from Group A after an uneven run: an opening defeat to Nepal, a goalless draw with hosts Maldives and a dramatic injury-time winner to beat Sri Lanka 1-0 that sealed their place. That late goal highlighted Bhutan’s persistence and their ability to stay competitive until the final whistle, warning India not to underestimate them.
The match will feature a key duel among forwards. India’s Vishal Yadav and Omang Dodum have each scored twice in the tournament, while Bhutan’s Dhendup Gyeltshen has also netted two goals and poses a major threat. With no extra time scheduled, the semi-final will go straight to penalties if tied after 90 minutes, placing a premium on composure and decision-making in the closing stages. (PTI)
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2026/04/01/india-ready-to-face-bhutan-in-saff-u-20-cship-semi-finals/
Category: SPORTS
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Publish Date: 2026-04-01 06:08:00
