Captain Chinglensana Singh Konsham led India from the front in the SAFF Championship 2026 semi-final, scoring his side's second goal as the Blue Tigers beat Bhutan 2-1 at the National Stadium in Dhaka on Saturday, 14 November 2026, to reach the final.
Chinglensana struck in the 27th minute, scoring from a corner to make it 2-0 after Vishnu PV had opened the scoring in the ninth minute. The captain's goal gave India a comfortable cushion at half-time in a match they had largely controlled, and it proved decisive once Bhutan fought back after the break.
Chinglensana wore the captain's armband in a starting eleven that also included Arsh Anwer Shaikh in goal, Abhishek Suryavanshi, Suhail Ahmad Bhat, Khaiminthang Lhungdim, Ricky Shabong, Manglenthanga Kipgen, Nikhil Prabhu, Sandip Mandi and Brison Fernandes. Head coach Naushad Moosa had made four changes to the side that defeated Maldives in the group stage, and his captain repaid the faith with the goal that ultimately separated the sides.
The goal capped a strong individual performance. In their player ratings from the semi-final, KhelNow named Chinglensana Singh and midfielder Nikhil Prabhu as the two Indian players who shone brightest on the night, with the captain's goal and his organisation of the side singled out.
Chinglensana's leadership was tested in the second half. Bhutan, appearing in the semi-finals for the first time in 18 years, pulled one back through Kinzang Tashi Tobden in the 48th minute and pushed hard for an equaliser, with Tandin Tshewang heading a cross across goal late on. The Indian defence, marshalled by its captain, held firm to protect the 2-1 lead.
India started strongly and kept mounting pressure after Vishnu PV's ninth-minute opener, and Chinglensana's goal from a corner made it 2-0 before half-time. The second half was thrilling in a different way, with Bhutan fighting tooth and nail for an equaliser while the Indian defence stayed firm to seal the win — and a place in the SAFF Championship final for the 14th time since 1993.
The semi-final also featured a first for the competition: the Video Assistant Referee was used for the first time, overturning the offside decision against Bhutan's goal before cancelling a penalty that had been awarded to India, according to the AIFF.
Head coach Naushad Moosa made four changes to the side that defeated Maldives in the group stage, and his captain delivered when it mattered. India are now through to their 14th SAFF Championship final in 15 appearances, and Chinglensana will lead the defending champions out again in the final against the winner of the Bangladesh-Pakistan semi-final on Tuesday, 17 November, as they chase a record-extending 10th title.
Chinglensana Singh vs Bhutan: At a Glance
| Role | India captain |
| Goal | 27th minute, from a corner — India 2-0 |
| Match | India 2-1 Bhutan, SAFF Championship 2026 semi-final |
| Date and venue | 14 November 2026, National Stadium, Dhaka |
| Player ratings | Named among the two shining performers, with Nikhil Prabhu (KhelNow) |
| Next match | SAFF Championship final, 17 November 2026 |