Bangladesh have won the SAFF Under-20 Championship title after defeating India 4-3 in a dramatic final on penalties. After a goalless draw in regulation time, expatriate forward Ronan Sullivan sealed the team’s victory with a last-gasp goal in the tiebreaker.
Both teams played cautious football from the start in the match held at the Malé Stadium in the capital of Maldives. Bangladesh had a slight lead in possession and attack in the first half, but India tried to take control of the match in the second half. However, both teams failed to capitalize on clear scoring opportunities.
Bangladesh goalkeeper Mahin played a key role in the tiebreaker, stopping India’s first shot. Morshed, Chandan and Fahim scored in the subsequent shots to put Bangladesh ahead.
In the fourth shot, Bangladesh’s Samuel’s effort hit the crossbar, making it 3-3 after four shots. Bangladesh had a chance to win when an Indian player missed the target in the last shot. Ronan Sullivan coolly scored the final shot to secure the title.
The victory was celebrated with enthusiasm by the expatriate Bangladeshis present at the stadium. According to analysts, the team’s composure under pressure and the goalkeeper’s important contribution played a major role in Bangladesh’s title win.