NEW DELHI, May 19: India successfully retained their SAFF U-19 Championship title after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Bangladesh, winning 4-3 following a gripping 1-1 draw in regulation time at the Golden Jubilee Stadium on Sunday.

The final was packed with excitement, featuring early drama, missed chances, a determined comeback, and a nail-biting finish. India took an early lead in just the second minute when captain Singamayum Shami scored from a free-kick over 30 yards out. Shami cleverly spotted the Bangladesh goalkeeper Md Ismail Hossain Mahin slightly off his line and curled the ball into the net despite a fingertip save attempt.

India capitalized on the momentum, dominating the opening minutes with sharp passing and incisive wing play. In the 16th minute, Omang Dodum nearly doubled the lead after breaking through the defense, but Mahin made a crucial save to keep Bangladesh in the game.

Initially rattled, Bangladesh gradually found their footing, tightening their defense and mounting pressure as the match progressed. By halftime, Bangladesh threatened more consistently, especially from set-pieces.

Their persistence paid off in the 61st minute when a chaotic corner kick sparked a scramble inside the Indian penalty area. Md Joy Ahamed reacted quickest, slotting the ball past India’s goalkeeper Suraj Singh Aheibam to equalize. This was the first goal India had conceded in the tournament.

Both sides fought hard for the winner in the final 30 minutes, with the match becoming increasingly physical and scrappy. With neither team able to break the deadlock, the championship was decided by penalties.

The shootout proved tense. India’s Rohen Singh missed his second attempt with a tame shot, giving Bangladesh the early advantage as Mahin saved comfortably. The stadium fell silent, but India showed remarkable resilience. When Bangladesh captain Nazmul Huda Faysal blasted his penalty over the bar, the momentum swung in India’s favor.

India converted their remaining spot-kicks confidently, and goalkeeper Suraj Singh Aheibam made a crucial save by diving low to his left to deny Salahuddin Sahed.

The final moment belonged to captain Shami, who had set the tone with his sensational early goal. Calm and composed, he calmly slotted home the decisive penalty, sealing India’s victory and igniting celebrations among the crowd.

With this triumph, India not only retained their crown but also reinforced their dominance in the region, demonstrating grit, composure, and character under immense pressure.