India beat Bangladesh on penalties to win 7th SAFF U17 title

Published on Authored by C to I News Desk

The Racecourse International Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka, witnessed a dramatic finish on Saturday, September 27, as India defeated Bangladesh 4-1 on penalties to win the SAFF U17 Championship for a record seventh time. The final saw both teams score twice in regulation time before the Blue Colts held their nerve in the shootout.

SAFF U17 India team
India U17 players. Photo courtesy: AIFF

India began brightly and took the lead in the fourth minute when Dallamuon Gangte reacted quickly to a loose ball inside the box to convert it into a goal.

Bangladesh, however, equalised midway through the half after Nazmul Huda Faysal’s shot forced a save, and from the resulting corner, Md Manik headed in from close range.

The momentum briefly swung towards Bangladesh, with Md Opu Rahman striking the woodwork, but India regained control late in the first half. A cross from Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam caused confusion in the Bangladesh defence, and Azlaan Shah KH pounced on the rebound to restore India’s lead in the 38th minute.

The second half was marked by Bangladesh’s relentless pursuit of another equaliser. Manashjyoti Baruah in the Indian goal stood firm, saving efforts from close range and reacting well to aerial threats. Bangladesh struck the crossbar again early after the restart through Faysal, while India also came close to sealing the game when Lesvin Rebelo’s header and Gangte’s long-range shot tested the opposition goalkeeper.

Just when India looked set to close out the contest, Bangladesh forced extra drama with a late goal deep into added time. A long throw from Md Sabbir Islam was not cleared properly, and Ihsan Habib Riduan smashed the ball in to make it 2-2 and take the match to penalties.

In the shootout, India showed remarkable composure. Gangte, Korou Meitei Konthoujam, and Indra Rana Magar all converted confidently before Shubham Poonia scored the decisive fourth kick. Bangladesh faltered under pressure, missing two of their first three attempts, and the result was sealed when Baruah produced a crucial save.

The victory gave coach Bibiano Fernandes his fifth SAFF title and India’s second in less than five months, following the U19 championship win in Arunachal Pradesh earlier this year. The Blue Colts lifted the trophy with a sense of relief and celebration after one of the most gripping finals in the history of the tournament.