Bangladesh secured the SAFF U-20 Championship title after defeating India 4–3 in a penalty shootout in the final held on Friday night in Male, Maldives.
The match ended goalless after regulation time, with both teams unable to break the deadlock despite creating a few scoring opportunities. As per tournament rules, the contest went directly to penalties without extra time.
In the shootout, Bangladesh gained an early advantage when goalkeeper Ismail Mahin made a crucial save to deny India’s opening attempt. The teams then converted their subsequent penalties in a tense exchange before Bangladesh held their composure.
The decisive moment came when Ronan Sullivan stepped up and successfully converted the final penalty, sealing the championship for Bangladesh and triggering celebrations among supporters.
Sullivan had been influential throughout the match, creating some of Bangladesh’s best chances, including a free-kick header and a bicycle kick attempt, both of which narrowly missed the target.
The victory marks Bangladesh’s second SAFF U-20 Championship title, following their previous triumph in 2024. The win also serves as redemption after their earlier defeat to India in a youth final decided by penalties.
RI/MHK