Colombo: Despite a valiant effort, Bangladesh finished as runners-up in the SAFF U-17 Championship, losing to India 4-1 in a penalty shootout after a gripping final at Racecourse Ground, Colombo, Sri Lanka. The match initially ended in a 2-2 draw, leading to the decisive penalty shootout.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the game was marked by intense competition, with India taking an early lead in the 3rd minute through Dallmalmuon Gangte, who netted a close-range goal from a left-wing cross. Bangladesh responded in the 24th minute, equalizing through Mohamad Manik’s header following a strategic corner routine assisted by Azim.
India regained the lead in the 39th minute when Azlaan Shah scored with a precise left-footed shot from close proximity. However, Bangladesh’s Ihsan Habib Riduan leveled the score just moments before the final whistle, pushing the match into a penalty shootout. In the shootout, India secured victory by converting three of their four attempts, while Bangladesh managed to score only once from their first three shots.
This victory marked India’s seventh SAFF U-17 Championship title, with previous wins in 2013, 2017, 2019, 2022, 2023, and 2024. On their way to the final, Bangladesh had defeated Pakistan 2-0 in the first semifinal, while India overcame Nepal 3-0 in the second semifinal.
The Bangladesh U-17 football team included players such as Alif Rahman Imtiaz, Tasin Saheb, Chandro Saha, Ikramul Islam, Azam Khan, Md Raj, Sabbir Islam, Shadat Hossain, Tarek Hossain, Ishan Habib Riduan, Kamal Merdha, Namul Huda Faisal (captain), Md Manik, Rifat Kazi, Ashik, Opu Rahman, Ruhul Amin Akash, Akash Ahmed, Mohin Ahmmed, Md Arif, Bayzit Bostami, Mahin Miah Sojib, and Akash Ahammad.