India v Bhutan: Four player battles to watch in SAFF Championship 2026 semi-final
India will face Bhutan in the first semi-final of the SAFF Championship 2026 in Bangladesh on Saturday after topping Group B. Naushad Moosa’s side advanced with six points from wins over Pakistan and the Maldives.
India beat Pakistan and Maldives in the group stage to finish top of Group B with six points, while Pakistan finished second in the group. In Group A, hosts Bangladesh finished on top with six points following victories over Bhutan (1-0) and Sri Lanka (4-0). The 192nd-ranked Bhutan clinched second place in Group A after a 2-2 draw with Sri Lanka and advanced on goal difference.
Suhail Ahmed Bhat has been India’s main attacking threat in the tournament; the striker scored a brace against Pakistan and converted a penalty in India’s 1-0 win over the Maldives, taking his tally to three goals from two games. His form gives India a clear focal point in attack going into the semi-final. Opposing defenders will need to account for his movement and finishing, which have driven India’s group-stage results.
Phuntsho Jigme has produced 14 defensive contributions and 11 clearances in two SAFF Championship matches so far, and the article notes he currently plays for Drukpa FC in the Bhutan Premier League and is versatile enough to operate at left-back. He may be required to handle threats from wide players who move centrally, including Irfan Yadwad, who has shown a tendency to drift inside from the wings while playing in the ISL with Chennaiyin FC.
Ricky Shabong will occupy the heart of India’s midfield as a screen in front of the defence; the 23-year-old recorded 10 defensive contributions and 15 recoveries across India’s two group games. Bhutan’s Pema Zangpo is described as the main man in his country’s midfield with a more advanced role focused on creating chances, and the two are expected to contest possession and transitional play throughout the match.
Dawa Tshering offers Bhutan versatility on the flank, primarily operating as a left winger but able to drop into midfield or shift to the other wing; he has made 23 appearances for his national team and scored his first international goal in the 2-2 draw with Sri Lanka. On the Indian right, Naushad Moosa handed Khaiminthang Lhungdim a start at right-back against the Maldives; Lhungdim made nine defensive contributions, five tackles and seven recoveries in that game and has been noted for consistency in the ISL over the past couple of seasons, leading to expectation he will start again on Saturday.
Chencho Gyeltshen, who has represented Indian clubs including Bengaluru FC and the Kerala Blasters, is a key attacking option for Bhutan; the 30-year-old has 15 goals in 51 appearances for his country and scored in the 2-2 draw with Sri Lanka. Chinglensana Singh had limited work against the Maldives, making four defensive contributions and four recoveries for India, and will face a different challenge trying to contain Chencho while leading the Indian backline.
The winner of the India v Bhutan semi-final on Saturday will advance to the final of the SAFF Championship 2026.
