Defending champions India made a winning start to their SAFF U17 Championship campaign as they defeated Bangladesh by a solitary goal in a Group A match at the Changlimithang Stadium on Friday. After struggling to breach a determined Bangladesh defence for most part of the match despite complete dominance over the proceedings, defender Sumit Sharma made all the difference with a deft header in the 90 1 minute that hit the pitch before entering the net. Substitute Manbhakupar Malngiang, who was pushed in by head coach Ishfaq Ahmed in the 78th minute, did the initial spadework as his measured cross into the box from the right caught a host of Bangladesh defenders on the wrong foot.