Bangladesh clinched the SAFF Under-20 Championship title for the second consecutive time after defeating arch-rivals India 4-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout on Friday at the National Stadium in Maldives.
The final ended goalless after 90 minutes, with both sides failing to break the deadlock despite several attacking opportunities. The match was ultimately decided in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout, where Bangladesh held their composure to emerge victorious.
Goalkeeper Ismail Hossain Mahin proved to be the hero for Bangladesh, saving India’s opening penalty taken by Rishi Singh with a brilliant dive to his right. Bangladesh’s Murshid Ali, Chandan Roy, Abdul Fahim, and Ronan Sullivan all converted their spot-kicks with confidence.
India’s hopes faded further when Samuel Raksham’s fourth penalty struck the crossbar. Ronan Sullivan then stepped up to score the decisive penalty, sparking jubilant celebrations among the Bangladesh players.
Earlier in the match, both teams displayed attacking intent. Bangladesh came close in the 13th minute when Ronan’s free-kick found Mithu Chowdhury, whose header missed the target. Another opportunity went begging in the 18th minute as Ronan failed to connect with a precise cross from Mohammad Manik.
India also threatened, notably in the 32nd minute when Bangladesh’s defenders made a crucial goal-line clearance to deny a certain goal.
The second half saw increased intensity, including a brief clash between players in the 57th minute. Bangladesh introduced Declan Sullivan in the 66th minute, which added pace to their attack. However, a late chance from Ronan went unconverted, sending the match into penalties.
This victory marks Bangladesh’s second SAFF U-20 title, having previously won in 2024. The team had lost three earlier finals to India in 2019, 2022, and 2025, making this triumph particularly significant as they finally overcame their rivals in a final.
India remains the most successful team in the tournament’s history with four titles, while Nepal has won twice. Bangladesh’s latest victory signals a rising force in South Asian youth football.
