India once again proved their dominance in South Asian youth football, defeating Bangladesh 4-1 on penalties after a gripping 2-2 draw in the SAFF U-17 Championship final in Colombo on Saturday. The victory handed India their fifth title in a row and seventh overall, while Bangladesh were left to rue missed chances and a controversial late penalty decision.
The contest began at breakneck speed. Within the opening minute, Arif almost stunned India with a powerful strike, only to see his effort kept out by goalkeeper Baruah. India responded almost immediately. In the fourth minute, Touthaang’s quick free kick released Guenleiba on the left, and his cross fell kindly for Gangte, who made no mistake from close range to put India in front.
Bangladesh showed their intent to fight back. Faysal threatened with a ground shot in the 19th minute, moments after Azlaan Shah received a yellow card for a reckless foul on Riduan. The equaliser arrived five minutes later. Faysal’s deflected strike earned a corner, and from the delivery, Md Manik rose highest to head home and level the contest.
The game opened up, with chances flowing at both ends. Opu’s cross on 28 minutes almost found Manik again, before his own header from the resulting corner flew agonisingly wide. Baruah twice came to India’s rescue, first tipping away Rifat Kazi’s cross and then smothering Faysal’s rebound effort. Gangte attempted a bicycle kick on 31 minutes but missed the target, while Arif’s long-range drive was also saved.
India restored their lead in the 39th minute through Azlaan Shah, who capitalised on a rebound after Guenleiba’s pacy run and cross unsettled the defence. Faysal’s shot soon after was deflected wide, and Ikramul picked up a yellow card before the break. The first half ended with India 2-1 up but Bangladesh looking increasingly organised and tactically assured.
Bangladesh dominated the second half. Faysal rattled the crossbar with a thunderous strike in the 51st minute, and Sabbir went close moments later with a curling left-footed effort that narrowly missed. Opu Rahman caused constant problems down the right wing, combining defensive discipline with attacking threat, while Faysal remained the creative heartbeat.
The pressure kept mounting. Opu’s finesse shot drifted wide in the 65th minute before he and Manik were replaced by Bayzit and Akash. India also made changes, with Lesvin coming on for Rahan. Bayzit was booked almost immediately for a foul on Aimaan, but Bangladesh pressed forward relentlessly. Arif squandered a chance inside the box on 72 minutes, and Bayzit’s dangerous cross two minutes later was cut out by Shubham.
Bangladesh believed they should have had a penalty on the stroke of full-time. Manik’s header struck Shubham’s outstretched arm in the area, but the referee waved play on. With the clock ticking into stoppage time, it looked as though India would hold firm, until one final twist. In the 97th minute, Sabbir launched a long throw into the area, and Riduan pounced to fire home the equaliser, sending the match to penalties.
In the shootout, India held their nerve while Bangladesh faltered. Gangte, Meiti, Magar and Shubham all converted for India, despite goalkeeper Alif guessing the right way on several occasions. For Bangladesh, Ikramul smashed his attempt against the crossbar, Azam Khan saw his penalty saved by Baruah, and only Md Manik managed to score. India sealed the title with a 4-1 shootout victory, extending their dominance in the tournament.
For Bangladesh, the performance was one of spirit, organisation and determination, but their dream of reclaiming the trophy they last won in 2015 and 2018 slipped away in the cruellest of fashions. For India, it was another night of celebration as they lifted their fifth consecutive SAFF U-17 crown and seventh overall, confirming once again their standing at the top of regional football.
