Kathmandu, Aug. 22: Bhutan has edged closer to the semi-final of the SAFF U-20 Championship after defeating the Maldives in ANFA Complex, Lalitpur, on Wednesday. 

The match ended 2-1 despite Bhutan having to lose its main goalkeeper Rigzin SonamTenzin after a red card in the 51st minute. 

Bhutan was leading first after a goal in the 21st minute. A beautiful cross from left-winger Jignam went above the Maldivian goalkeeper and defender Mohamed to find midfielder Jetsuen who got a touch and sent the ball to the back of the net.

However, while Bhutan was defending its lead, Tenzin’s red card changed the momentum. 

Tenzin came forward and used his hand to block a touch from the Maldivian captain Rashaadh just outside the 18-yard box; the referee saw it and punished Tenzin for affecting a chance for goal. 

Bhutan then subbed out Sangay Chophel and had its substitute goalie Lhocho Nima wear the gloves. The Maldives had earned a free kick after the blunder from Tenzin as it did not go well for Bhutan. 

It was raining when Maldives’ No. 10 Firaq shot a low ball from the left side of the five-man wall and past the new goalie to score from the set piece. The Maldivian bench exploded after the goal as their hopes for the semi-final reemerged.

As the rain continued, the two teams, with Bhutan down to 10 men, were busy defending and attacking. However, the players were struggling to balance on the wet outfield disallowing them to create better chances.

Meanwhile, it was the slippery ground that benefited Bhutan to take the lead again at a crucial time. Bhutan made it 2-1 in the final minutes of the 90-minute official play. 

A soft cross ahead from Namgyel, with a poor header from a Maldivian defender, found Jetsuen, but he could not shoot the ball properly after losing balance. It was lucky that the poor shot was found by substitute Ngawang Chopel; his push went past the wet gloves of the goalkeeper.

Bhutan has won a match but had lost its first against India. The Maldives will face India on August 23. If the Maldives loses to India, Bhutan qualifies for the semi-final.

Nevertheless, Nepal is playing against Bangladesh on Thursday.