Yupia, May 18 (NationPress) The final match was nothing short of exhilarating. With early excitement, missed opportunities, and a determined comeback, it was a nail-biter. The India U19 team displayed incredible composure, edging out Bangladesh 4-3 in a penalty shootout after a tense 1-1 draw in regular time.

The Blue Colts successfully defended their SAFF U19 Championship title at the Golden Jubilee Stadium on Sunday, May 18.

The match concluded with a score of 1-1 after regulation time, leading to a high-pressure penalty shootout. Energized by their passionate supporters, India took an early lead in the second minute, courtesy of captain Singamayum Shami. However, a 61st-minute equalizer from Md Joy Ahamed for Bangladesh leveled the score.

The penalty shootout was a test of nerves. Rohen Singh’s weak second penalty gave Bangladesh an early advantage when keeper Md Ismail Hossain Mahin made a crucial save, leaving the crowd in stunned silence.

Nevertheless, Bibiano Fernandes’ squad remained resilient. When Bangladesh captain Nazmul Huda Faysal missed his shot by sending it over the crossbar, momentum shifted back to India. With renewed confidence, India converted their subsequent penalties, while goalkeeper Suraj Singh Aheibam rose to the occasion, saving Salahuddin Sahed’s crucial attempt.

Captain Singamayum Shami, who had opened the scoring with a spectacular goal, took the decisive kick. With a calm demeanor and unwavering confidence, he successfully slotted it in, securing India’s championship victory once more—a fitting conclusion to a fiercely contested match.

India came out strong, taking the lead within just two minutes. After being awarded a free-kick from over 30 yards, Shami, spotting the Bangladesh keeper slightly out of position, took a shot. His curling attempt was exceptionally accurate, and despite Mahin’s effort to save it, the force behind the shot sent it into the net.

India maintained their momentum, dominating possession and keeping Bangladesh on the defensive. Their passes were sharp, and their movement was dynamic, with their wings proving to be a significant threat. In the 16th minute, Omang Dodum made a remarkable solo run through the defense and nearly scored again, but Mahin’s vital save kept Bangladesh in the game.

Initially rattled, Bangladesh gradually found their rhythm. They began closing down spaces, disrupting India’s passing, and slowly turned the tide. By half-time, they were beginning to pose threats with set-pieces, but India’s defense held strong.

The breakthrough finally came in the 61st minute. Following a chaotic corner, Md Joy Ahamed seized the opportunity and fired the ball past Suraj Singh, leveling the match. This was the first goal India had conceded in the tournament, and it came at a critical juncture.

As both teams pushed for a winner, the match became increasingly physical, with few clear chances. When the final whistle blew, the tension mounted as they headed into the penalty shootout. Once again, captain Shami delivered, converting the final penalty, which sent both his team and the crowd into a frenzy.