India defend SAFF U19 crown

Still in their teens, India U19s showed steely resolves worthy of men as they got the better of Bangladesh 4-3 via penalty shootout, after the SAFF U19 Championship final was tied 1-1 at the end of regulation time in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh, on Sunday. In the process the India colts also defended their crown at Golden Jubilee Stadium. Backed by a raucous crowd, the hosts took an early lead in only the second minute of the match through captain Singamayum Shami. Earning a free-kick from over 30 yards out, Shami spotted Bangladesh goalkeeper Md Ismail Hossain Mahin was slightly out of position and went for the goal. Shami's curling strike went into the net despite Mahin getting a hand to it as it was too powerful a strike to keep it at bay. The scoreline stayed in India's favour at half-time despite Bangladesh growing into the game after the early setback. But Bangladesh managed to draw level after the change of ends when substitute winger Md Joy Ahamed scored the equaliser in the 61st minute. As a corner sparked scrambling scenes inside the area, Ahamed pounced on the loose ball to fire it past India custodian Suraj Singh Aheibam to take Bangladesh on level field. For the record, it was also the first time India had conceded in the tournament, breaking their run of clean sheets. As the score stayed 1-1, it headed for the shootout where India were trailing 2-3 after Rohen Singh's effort from the spot was saved by Bangladesh goalkeeper Mahin. However, India captain Shami rose to the occasion for the second time in the game and converted the final penalty to send his boys and 13000-strong crowd into wild celebration.