India edged past Bangladesh 4–3 in a dramatic penalty shootout to clinch their second SAFF U-19 Championship title, repeating heartbreak for the boys in red and green after a 1–1 draw in regulation time.
On Sunday at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Arunachal Pradesh, hosts India revived painful memories of 2015 by once again denying Bangladesh glory—this time in the final. The match, brimming with intensity and emotion, saw India take an early lead in just the second minute through a stunning long-range free-kick from captain Singamayan Shamir. The curling strike caught Bangladeshi goalkeeper Ismail Hossain Mahin off his line, giving the home side an explosive start and sending their dugout and fans into wild celebration.
Despite the early blow, Bangladesh refused to bow out quietly. As the match progressed, India’s initial pace slowed, allowing Nazmul Huda Faisal’s side to find their rhythm. Bangladesh created several chances in the first half but failed to convert.
Redemption came in the 61st minute when Joy Ahmed capitalized on a goalmouth scramble from a corner kick, leveling the score and reigniting hope among the Bangladeshi players and supporters.
However, the deadlock could not be broken in regular time, pushing the contest into a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. In the end, it was India who held their nerve, converting four penalties to Bangladesh’s three, securing the title in front of a roaring home crowd.
The result may have handed India the silverware, but Bangladesh walked off the pitch with pride, having delivered a performance full of resilience, heart, and promise for the future.
LND/BG
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