Under 23 football: Suhail Bhat leads India to a win in a friendly match against Indonesia

New -delhi, October 10 (IANS). India under 23 men’s team defeated Indonesia 2-1 in the first of two under-23 international friendly matches played on Friday at Gelora Bung Karno Madya Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia. The Indian team took the lead thanks to two brilliant goals by Suhail Ahmed Bhat (5th and 26th minute). Donny Sade Pamangas scored the only goal from the opposition four minutes before halftime. All the goals were scored in the first half. Despite a difficult fight in the second half, both teams were unsuccessful to score goals. The Indian team had earlier adopted an aggressive attitude at the beginning of the match. India took the lead with the first goal of Suhail Bhat in the fifth minute. In the 22nd minute, Mohammad Suhail tried hard for the purpose, but was not successful. Suhail scored the second goal in the 26th minute. Vibin hit a low cross from the left that strikes the feet of Ayush Chhetri. The captain transferred the ball to Suhail Bhat, who eluded his marker and fired another powerful strike in the top corner of the net. Indonesia saw a pile of hope in the 41st minute. The left back Donny Tri Pamangas found some space on the edge of the box and fired a curly that reaches the top corner. Goalkeeper Mohanraj, who made his debut for India in any age group, had no answer to this. The Indian team had a great chance to increase its lead in the 57th minute, but the team missed it. However, India won 2-1. Suhail Bhatt received the player of the Match Award. Suhail Bhat said: “We all came here with the intention of winning. We had a good performance in the AFC (under 23 Asian Cup qualifiers), but unfortunately we couldn’t qualify. We are hungry intact. We want to win more. It’s just the beginning. I dedicate my goals to my teammates.” Of course, it’s good to score, but that’s around the entire team. “India head coach Naushad Musa said: ‘It was a tough game, but I appreciate the players. Everyone supported each other throughout. There’s still a lot to learn, but yes, I said earlier that it wouldn’t be easy for Indonesia.’