India U19s successfully defended their SAFF U19 Championship title with a nerve-wracking 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Bangladesh, following a 1-1 draw in regulation time, at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh, on Sunday.
The victory, according to the All India Football Federation (AIFF), came amid a raucous home crowd, marked a fitting conclusion to a thrilling contest.
The match started with a lightning-fast strike from Indian captain Singamayum Shami, who found the net just two minutes into the game with a stunning free-kick from over 30 yards out.
Spotting the Bangladesh goalkeeper slightly out of position, Shami unleashed a curling effort that, despite a desperate hand from Md Ismail Hossain Mahin, rocketed into the net, sending the Indian fans into early celebration.
However, Bangladesh clawed their way back into the game, equalising in the 61st minute through Md Joy Ahamed, who capitalised on a chaotic corner to slot the ball past Indian goalkeeper Suraj Singh Aheibam, marking the first goal conceded by India in the tournament.
Also read: ‘Kohli retired early, could play for 2 more years’: Sehwag
As the clock ticked down, both sides searched for a decisive goal, but a flurry of missed chances and resolute defending pushed the contest into a penalty shootout. Bangladesh initially seized the advantage when Rohen Singh's second penalty was saved by Mahin, casting a sudden silence over the Indian fans.
Yet, the tide turned when Bangladesh skipper Nazmul Huda Faysal fired his effort over the crossbar, swinging the momentum back to India. With the crowd roaring in support, India converted their remaining spot-kicks, with Suraj Singh making a crucial save to deny Salahuddin Sahed. Fittingly, Shami, who had opened the scoring, stepped up to take the final penalty, calmly slotting it home to seal India's triumph.
India's successful penalty takers included Md Arbash, Rishi Singh, Jodric Abranches, and Shami, while Bangladesh found the net through Md Mithu Chowdhury, Md Mursed Ali, and Md Joy Ahamed.
The win extends India's dominance in the regional tournament, reinforcing their status as the powerhouse of youth football in South Asia.
Follow us
