The SAFF U-19 Championship 2025 witnessed a thrilling finale as India and Bangladesh clashed at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh on May 18, 2025. In a nail-biting encounter, India emerged victorious, defeating Bangladesh 4-3 in a penalty shootout after the match ended 1-1 in regulation time. With this win, the Blue Colts successfully defended their SAFF U-19 Championship title.
The final was a captivating contest filled with drama from the very beginning. India got off to a flying start, taking the lead in the second minute through a stunning free-kick from their captain, Singamayum Shami. Shami's curling strike from over 30 yards out caught the Bangladeshi goalkeeper slightly out of position and found the back of the net, giving India an early advantage.
Riding the momentum, India dominated possession and pushed Bangladesh on the back foot. Their crisp passing, sharp movement, and potent wing play kept the pressure on the Bangladeshi defense. However, Bangladesh gradually grew into the game, displaying great resilience. In the final ten minutes of the first half, they launched a series of promising attacks, led by captain Nazmul Huda Faisal and midfielder Morshed Ali, but were unable to equalize before the break.
Bangladesh carried their momentum into the second half, making tactical substitutions that turned the tide. Their persistence paid off in the 61st minute when substitute Mohammad Joy Ahmed scored from close range, leveling the score. With the scores tied, both sides created chances in the closing stages. A crucial clearance off the goal-line by a Bangladeshi defender in stoppage time ensured that the match would proceed to a penalty shootout, as tournament rules did not allow for extra time.
The penalty shootout was a nerve-wracking affair. Rohen Singh's missed second penalty gave Bangladesh the upper hand. However, Bangladesh skipper Nazmul Huda Faysal then blazed his effort over the crossbar, swinging the advantage back in India's favor. Goalkeeper Suraj Singh Aheibam then delivered a crucial save, diving low to his left to deny Salahuddin Sahed. With the pressure mounting, Captain Singamayum Shami stepped up to take the final penalty. Calm and composed, he slotted it in to secure the victory and crown India champions once again.
This victory marks India's second SAFF U-19 title, adding to their triumph in the 2023 edition against Pakistan. India's journey to the final saw them dominate their opponents, including a 3-0 victory against the Maldives in the semi-final, with goals from Danny Meitei Laishram, Omang Dodum, and Prashan Jajo. Bangladesh secured their place in the final with a 2-1 win against Nepal in their semi-final clash.
