The Indian football team finished as Group B toppers after playing out a 1-1 draw against Bangladesh in their second match of the SAFF U20 Championship 2026 at the National Stadium in Malé on Saturday.
The result ensured India stayed on top of the group, having already secured qualification for the semi-finals following their 3-0 win over Pakistan. Bangladesh finished as runners-up in the group with an inferior goal difference.
Vishal Yadav (17’) handed India the lead in the opening period, before Md Abdul Riyad Fahim struck deep into first-half stoppage time (45+10’) to level the scores.
The match began cautiously, with both sides keen to avoid early mistakes. Bangladesh attempted to stretch India’s defence using the width of the pitch, but the Indian backline remained compact and limited clear-cut chances.
India gradually grew into the game, building patiently from the back and looking to make set-pieces count.
The Blue Colts got the breakthrough in the 17th minute. Omang Dodum delivered a well-weighted corner from the right and Vishal Yadav found space between defenders to guide a firm header past the goalkeeper and give them control of the contest.
India nearly doubled their lead just before the interval when Dodum whipped in a dangerous free-kick and Jodric Abranches timed his run well, but his header drifted wide.
Tempers flared late in the first half when Nazmul Huda Faysal fouled Yaipharemba Chingakham, leading to heated exchanges between both benches.
The referee issued straight red cards to both Bangladesh head coach Mark Cox and India goalkeeping coach Sandip Nandy.
Bangladesh capitalised on the extended stoppage time as the Indian defence briefly lost concentration following the break in play, allowing Md Abdul Riyad Fahim to strike home from a corner to make it 1-1 at the break.
Despite conceding late, India remained composed after the restart and controlled large parts of the second half. The Blue Colts looked the more purposeful side and continued to threaten from set-pieces.
In the 70th minute, Dodum’s free-kick from the edge of the area was blocked, while a late opportunity was missed when Rishi Singh Ningthoukhongjam’s through ball found Dodum before a heavy first touch allowed the chance to slip away.
India pushed for a winner in the closing stages but were unable to find the breakthrough as the match ended 1-1.
The Mahesh Gawali-coached Indian side will face Bhutan in the semi-final on Wednesday.
Organised by the South Asian Football Federation, the SAFF U20 Championship is an annual football tournament for male players. Defending champions India are the most successful nation in tournament history with four titles.
READ MORE: https://www.olympics.com/en/news/saff-u20-championship-2026-india-vs-bangladesh-match-report
