India were crowned champions of the SAFF U-19 Championship 2025 after a tense 2-1 (4-3 on penalties) win over Bangladesh in the final held at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Itanagar.
The match ended 1-1 after regulation time, and the Blue Colts held their nerve in a dramatic penalty shootout to lift the trophy, marking their record-extending 10th SAFF age-group men’s title.
Match Highlights
India made a dream start as skipper Singamayum Shami fired them ahead just two minutes into the match. Stepping up for a free-kick from nearly 30 yards out, Shami unleashed a shot that took the goalkeeper by surprise and nestled into the net.
The audacious effort set the tone for India’s attacking intent. The Blue Colts maintained their advantage through the first half, showcasing a solid defense that had not conceded a single goal in the tournament until this match.
Bangladesh, however, responded with grit and composure. They leveled the score in the 59th minute through Ahamed M. J., who capitalized on a defensive lapse to slot home and restore parity.
Despite chances at both ends, neither side could find a winner in regulation time, sending the game into a penalty shootout.
Penalty Shootout Drama
The penalty shootout unfolded as a rollercoaster of emotions, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Bangladesh took an early lead, going up 3-2 after three rounds, as Mithu Chowdhury M, Mursed A, and Ahmed M.J confidently converted their shots for Bangladesh, while India’s second penalty-taker,
Roshan Singh, saw his effort miss the target, sending a wave of tension through the Indian camp. At that moment, the pressure was immense, with Bangladesh just one successful penalty away from the title.
However, India’s goalkeeper, Aheibam Suraj Singh, emerged as the hero of the night. Displaying nerves of steel, Suraj Singh made two consecutive, breathtaking saves, denying Huda Faysal and Sahed S. The stadium erupted with cheers as Suraj Singh’s heroics kept the Blue Colts in the game.
With the score tied, it all came down to India’s final penalty. Captain Singamayum Shami, stepped up to take the decisive shot.
Despite the tremendous pressure of the moment, Shami remained unfazed, striking the ball with precision to find the back of the net. His successful penalty sealed a 4-3 shootout victory for India, crowning them champions and sending the home crowd into a frenzy of celebration.
India’s Road to Glory
India’s campaign was a display of sheer dominance. They began with an 8-0 thrashing of Sri Lanka and followed it with a 4-0 win over Nepal in the group stage. The semifinals saw them dispatch Maldives 3-0.
A Milestone for Arunachal Pradesh
The tournament, hosted by the Arunachal Pradesh Football Association (APFA) in collaboration with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and SAFF, marked the state’s first international football event. Despite challenging weather conditions, the final saw an electrifying support from the home crowd.
India’s triumph marked a continuation of their dominance in South Asian youth football, adding yet another title to their collection.
Throughout the tournament, the squad impressed with their technical prowess, tactical discipline, and standout performances.
With this win, India not only lift the SAFF U-19 Championship trophy but also reinforce their credentials ahead of the AFC U-20 qualifiers, signaling a promising future for Indian football.
