India Win 7th SAFF U-17 Championship Title After Beating Bangladesh 4-1 in Penalty Shootout

India edge past Bangladesh in a dramatic 4-1 penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw in regulation time at the Racecourse International Stadium, Colombo.

In a gripping finale at the Racecourse International Stadium in Colombo, India clinched their seventh SAFF U-17 Championship crown after a dramatic 4-1 victory in a penalty shootout against a spirited Bangladesh side on Sunday.

The South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) U-17 Championship is a regional football tournament that features under-17 national teams from South Asia. It serves as a crucial developmental platform for young football talent in the region.

India took early control of the match, leading 2-1 at half-time, thanks to impressive goals from Dallamuon Gangte and Azlaan Shah KH. Their offensive efforts reflected the attacking intent and maturity of the Indian youth squad throughout the tournament.

However, the contest took a tense turn in the final moments of regulation time when Ihsan Habib Riduan of Bangladesh scored a last-minute equaliser, leveling the score at 2-2. The dramatic equaliser brought renewed energy to the game, sending the match into a penalty shootout to determine the winner.

In the ensuing penalty shootout, India held their nerves and displayed composure beyond their years, converting their chances clinically while Bangladesh faltered under pressure. The shootout ended 4-1 in India's favour, sealing a hard-fought and well-deserved victory.

This win marks India’s seventh SAFF U-17 Championship title, further reinforcing their dominance at the youth level in South Asian football. It also highlights the progress of the grassroots football development system in the country.