India U23 men’s national team delivered a commanding performance to defeat Bhutan 5-0 in the U23 Tri-Nation Championship 2026 at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh.
The emphatic victory, powered by a second-half surge, takes the Blue Colts to the top of the standings, setting up a decisive clash against Tajikistan.
Coached by Naushad Moosa, the Indian side showed attacking intent from the outset and maintained control throughout the contest. While the scoreline reflects dominance, it was also a performance built on patience, persistence, and eventual clinical finishing.
Early Pressure, Late First-Half Breakthrough
India began aggressively, pressing high and creating early chances. Their attacking width, particularly down the flanks, caused immediate problems for Bhutan’s defence. Adison Singh Thokchom was particularly lively on the right, stretching the opposition and delivering dangerous balls into the box.
The first major opportunity came in the 23rd minute when Adison’s cross nearly turned into a spectacular opener. His delivery swerved towards goal and beat the goalkeeper, only to crash against the crossbar. Despite controlling possession and territory, India struggled to convert chances in the opening phase. Bhutan remained compact, relying on defensive organisation and occasional counter-attacks.
The breakthrough finally arrived just before halftime. Ricky Meetei Haobam picked up the ball outside the box and unleashed a precise strike into the bottom corner, giving India a deserved 1-0 lead. The goal not only settled nerves but also shifted momentum decisively in India’s favour heading into the second half.
India returned after the break with renewed intensity and quickly doubled their advantage. Within six minutes, Adison once again played a key role, breaking into the box and squaring the ball cleverly to Suhail Ahmad Bhat. The forward made no mistake, calmly finishing to make it 2-0.
With the lead extended, India began to play with greater freedom. Their midfield controlled the tempo, while the forwards combined effectively to create openings. Bhutan, meanwhile, struggled to cope with the increased pace and movement.
Despite India’s dominance, Bhutan did have moments of resistance. Ajsal came close in the 71st minute when he attempted to chip the goalkeeper, but a timely goal-line clearance denied him. Moments later, another effort from Huidrom Thoi Singh was cleared off the line by Bhutan captain Pema Zangpo.
Late Goals Seal the Result
The floodgates finally opened in the closing stages. Substitute Tomba Singh Haobam made an immediate impact, scoring with a powerful long-range effort in the 79th minute to make it 3-0.
Just two minutes later, Suhail struck again. Played through on the right, he drove into the box and finished with conviction to complete his brace and extend India’s lead to 4-0.
India’s attacking momentum continued, and the fifth goal arrived in the 85th minute. This time, Suhail turned provider, delivering a precise chipped pass to Muhammed Ajsal. The forward timed his run perfectly, controlled the ball, and finished clinically to cap off a dominant display.
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This performance offered several positives for the Indian camp. The team’s ability to maintain attacking pressure, create chances from wide areas, and finish clinically in the second half stood out.
Adison Singh’s influence on the right flank was significant, while Suhail Ahmad Bhat emerged as the standout performer with two goals and an assist. The impact of substitutes, particularly Tomba Singh and Ajsal, also highlighted the squad’s depth. Defensively, India remained largely untroubled, with goalkeeper Suraj Singh Aheibam and the backline ensuring a clean sheet. Their organisation and discipline prevented Bhutan from gaining any sustained attacking foothold.
With this victory, India move to the top of the Tri-Nation Championship standings, level on points with Tajikistan but ahead on goal difference. Tajikistan had earlier defeated Bhutan 1-0, making India’s comprehensive win even more significant. The tournament now heads towards a decisive final match between India and Tajikistan on March 31. The equation is straightforward India need only a draw to secure the title, while Tajikistan must win to claim top spot.
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For Naushad Moosa’s side, this result is more than just three points. It reflects a team growing in confidence, capable of translating dominance into goals. The ability to control matches and finish strongly will be crucial as they face a stronger opponent in Tajikistan.
The performance also offers valuable experience for a young squad, many of whom are pushing for higher honours in the national setup.
India’s 5-0 victory over Bhutan was a statement performance one that combined attacking intent, tactical discipline, and clinical execution. After a patient first half, the Blue Colts accelerated through the gears to deliver a commanding win.
As they prepare for the title decider against Tajikistan, India carry both momentum and confidence. If they can replicate this level of performance, they will be well-positioned to lift the Tri-Nation Championship and continue their upward trajectory in youth international football.
