Defending champions Bangladesh miserably finished runners up in the six-nation South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) U-19 Men’s Championship’ 2025 losing to hosts India by 3-4 goals in penalty shootout at the floodlight Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia at the Indian State of Arunachal Pradesh Sunday night.
The day’s title deciding keenly contested match between two sub-continental rivals was locked in 1-1 goals in the stipulated 90 minutes at the houseful crowd at the stadium to lead the match towards tie breaking session.
In the schedule time, captain Singamayum Shami put hosts India ahead twinkling of an eye in the very first minute of the match by a spectacular free kick from about 30 yards beating Bangladesh custodian Ismail Hossain with power and precision (1-0).
Substitute Joy Ahmed leveled the margin for Bangladesh in the 61st minute by a close range shot past Indian custodian Suraj Singh, utilizing a corner kick (1-1).
This was the first goal that conceded hosts India in four matches after scoring 16 goals.
In the tie breaker, Mithu Chowdhury, Murshed Ali, Joy Ahmed of Bangladesh converted the spot kick correctly. But, captain Nazmul Huda Faysal sent the spot kick outside and the next attempts of Salah Uddin Sahed brilliantly saved by the Indian custodian.
Four Indian players--Mohammad Arbash, Rishi Singh, Jodric Abrches and captain Singamayum Shami—successfully scored from penalty shootout while Bangladesh custodian Ismail Hossain foiled the 2nd Indian attempt of Rohen Singh.
Earlier in the 9th minute, Bangladesh came close make equalizer, but a brilliant right wing shot from Murshed Ali of Bangladesh narrowly traveled over the cross bar.
In the 16th minute, Bangladesh custodian Ismail saved his castle brilliant foiling a dangerous attempt of India Omang Dodum, rushes off his line, narrows the angle and made the save.
India were deprived of 2nd goal in the 42nd minute when referee blew his whistle for a foul.
Holders Bangladesh reached the final as an unbeaten team, eliminating Himalayan nation Nepal 2-1 in the first semi-final, while hosts India qualified for the final with an all-win record, defeating the Maldives 3-0 in the second semi-final — both matches played on Friday
Earlier, Bangladesh emerged as Group A champions to reach the semi-finals, remaining unbeaten with four points from two group matches, beating Bhutan 3-0 after drawing 2-2 with the Maldives.
On the other hand, India topped Group B with a perfect record, securing full six points by defeating Sri Lanka 8-0 and Nepal 4-0 in the group matches.