It had everything in a final! Drama in the beginning, lost opportunities, a strong comeback, and an incredible conclusion! After the game ended 1-1 after normal time, the India U19s finally shown steely resolve to defeat Bangladesh 4-3 on penalties. On Sunday, May 18, 2025, the Blue Colts triumphantly defended their SAFF U19 Championship title at Golden Jubilee Stadium.
A nerve-racking penalty shootout was required because the game had ended 1-1 after regulation time. Encouraged by a boisterous audience, India’s captain, Singamayum Shami, had grabbed the lead in the second minute before Md Joy Ahamed of Bangladesh equalized in the 61st.
It was not a shootout for the weak of heart. The stadium fell silent when keeper Md Ismail Hossain Mahin stopped the spot-kick after Rohen Singh’s clumsy second penalty given Bangladesh the lead.
However, the boys of Bibiano Fernandes resisted giving in. The game changed in India’s favor after Nazmul Huda Faysal, the captain of Bangladesh, sent a shot over the crossbar. India converted their remaining kicks with newfound confidence, and goalie Suraj Singh Aheibam was there when it counted most. To avoid Salahuddin Sahed, he dove low to his left.
The final kick was taken by captain Singamayum Shami, who had opened the evening with an incredible goal. He put it in to declare India champions once more, calm, collected, and full of conviction. An appropriate conclusion to a heated and hard-fought competition.
Md Arbash, Rishi Singh, Jodric Abranches, and Shami scored India’s spot-kicks, while Md Mithu Chowdhury, Md Mursed Ali, and Md Joy Ahamed scored Bangladesh’s penalties.
India had exploded out of the starting blocks. They were ahead after two minutes. Shami saw the Bangladeshi goalkeeper was a little out of position and went for goal after being awarded a free-kick from more than thirty yards out. Even though Mahin got a hand on his precise curving strike, the force of the effort sent it into the net.
India took advantage of the momentum, controlling possession and making Bangladesh look weak. Their wings once again proved to be their most powerful weapon, as they moved and passed with precision. Mahin made a crucial save to keep Bangladesh in the game after Omang Dodum broke past the defense with a solo run in the 16th minute and was almost in for a second.
India would suffer the consequences of such lost opportunities.
After first being shaken, Bangladesh settled into the game. They blocked passageways, fenced off areas, and gradually reversed the trend in India. They started threatening with set pieces by halftime, but India’s defense held solid.
In the 61st minute, the breakthrough occurred. Md Joy Ahamed jumped on the loose ball after a tumultuous corner caused a bustle in the area, sending it past Suraj Singh to tie the score. It came at the worst possible time and was the first goal India had given up in the tournament.
The game then became rough and cagey as both teams fought for a victory. There were very few clear-cut opportunities in the last third, which turned into a battleground.
It all came down to the tie-breaker when the whistle blew for full time. And to throw his team and the fans into a frenzy, India captain Shami stepped up to the plate a second time and buried the final penalty into the net.
India U19: Aheibam Suraj Singh (GK), Jodric Abranches, Sumit Sharma Brahmacharimayum, Singamayum Shami (C), Omang Dodum (Hemneichung Lunkim 64’), Md Arbash, Chaphamayum Rohen Singh, Malemngamba Singh Thokchom, Danny Meitei Laishram (Rishi Singh 64’), Sohum Utreja, Prashan Jajo (Yohaan Benjamin 64’).
SAFF U19 Championship Awards
- Highest Goal-scorer: Danny Meitei Laishram (5 goals), India
- Best Goalkeeper: Suraj Singh Aheibam, India
- Most Valuable Player: Md Arbash, India
- Fair Play Award: India
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