SAFF U19 Championship 2025: India defeat Bangladesh in nail-biting penalties in front of packed Arunachal Pradesh stadium

The SAFF U-19 Championship 2025 final saw India face Bangladesh on Sunday, May 18, at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh. Coming in as strong favourites, the Blue Colts did not disappoint the jam-packed stadium, which had been cheering them on throughout the tournament.

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¡ª Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) May 18, 2025

The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with India making an early breakthrough in the second minute. However, Bangladesh responded with determination, equalizing shortly after the hour mark. Both sides maintained relentless intensity, keeping the contest tightly contested throughout.

The game entered the penalty shootout and the battle stayed neck-and-neck, but India held their nerve to edge past Bangladesh 4-3 and lift the 2025 U-19 SAFF Men¡¯s Championship trophy.

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¡ª Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) May 18, 2025

This became India's record-extending 10th SAFF age-group title. The Blue Colts have now defeated Bangladesh in all four SAFF finals they've met in, including last year's U-17 championship clash. It also marked India's second SAFF U-19 title, following their triumph over Pakistan in the 2023 final.

IND vs BAN: Highlights

The Blue Colts took a one-goal lead into halftime, thanks to a stunning direct free-kick by captain Singamayum Shami in just the second minute of the game.

However, Bangladesh hit back in the 2nd half, with substitute player Md Joy Ahamed netting the equaliser in the 61st minute. With the score locked at 1-1 at the end of regulation time, the match headed into a tense penalty shootout.

Penalty shootout drama

The penalty shootout began with Bangladesh's Mithu Chowdhury coolly sending Indian goalkeeper Suraj Singh the wrong way to open the scoring. India responded with Md Arbash, who showed great composure and slotted his shot in with precise placement. IND 1-1 BAN

Next up, Murshid Ali once again sent Suraj Singh the wrong way, restoring Bangladesh¡¯s lead. However, India suffered a setback as Rohen Singh missed his shot, with Ismail Hossain making a comfortable save. IND 1-2 BAN

Bangladesh's Joy stepped up and, despite Suraj Singh diving in the right direction, fired in a powerful strike that found the back of the net. India's Rishi answered with a calm and confident finish, sending the Bangladeshi keeper the wrong way. IND 2-3 BAN

With the pressure mounting, Bangladesh captain Faysal sent his effort flying over the crossbar, failing to test the keeper. India seized the moment as Jodric Abranches converted his attempt, leveling the score. IND 3-3 BAN

Then came the turning point¡ªSuraj Singh made a brilliant save, diving to his left and deflecting the ball away. With everything on the line, Indian captain Shami Singamayum stepped up for the final kick. He sent the keeper the wrong way and calmly slotted it home. IND 4-3 BAN

The stadium in Arunachal Pradesh erupted in celebration as India were crowned the 2025 SAFF U-19 Men's Champions. The players burst into a jubilant run, soaking in the glory of a hard-fought and historic win.

India and Bangladesh road to Final

India reached the final with dominant performances, defeating Sri Lanka (8-0), Nepal (4-0), and Maldives (3-0) in the semifinal. Bangladesh, unbeaten until the final, faced their first loss of the tournament against the hosts after earlier drawing with Maldives and securing wins over Bhutan and Nepal.