SAFF U19 Championship: India Defends Title, Danny Laishram Emerges Top Scorer

The Indian men’s football team defended their SAFF U19 Championship crown beating Bangladesh in a thriller penalty shootout. 

The defending champions downed Bangladesh 4-3 on penalties at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh, on Sunday.

SAFF U19 Championship 2025 Final: India vs Bangladesh

India 1 (4) (Singamayum Shami 2’)
Bangladesh 1 (3) (Md Joy Ahamed 61’)

The football match ended 1-1 after regulation time, leading up to a penalty shootout to decide the winner. India took an early lead in the second minute as captain Singamayum Shami found the net, and Bangladesh equalised in the 61st minute through Md Joy Ahamed.

The shootout that followed tested the nerves of the players. Rohen Singh’s missed second penalty gave Bangladesh the upper hand after their keeper Md Ismail Hossain Mahin saved the spot-kick. However, the momentum swung back in India’s favour after Bangladesh captain Nazmul Huda Faysal fired over the crossbar.

There was no looking back for the Boys In Blue since then as they converted their remaining spot-kicks, while goalkeeper Suraj Singh Aheibam pulled off a crucial save to deny Salahuddin Sahed.

Earlier in the match, India showed intent right from the beginning as Shami converted a free-kick from over 30 yards out in the second minute. 

India dominated the possession as Bangladesh seemed to be struggling to find the net. In the 16th minute, Omang Dodum sliced through the defence with a solo run and was nearly in for a second. Mahin made a vital save to keep Bangladesh in the contest.

In the second half, the visitors attempted for a comeback, but India’s backline stood firm.

The equaliser came in the 61st minute. Capitalising on a corner, Md Joy Ahamed grabbed the opportunity on the loose ball, firing it past Suraj Singh to level the score. It was the first goal India had conceded in the tournament.

With the whistle blowing for full time, it all came down to the nerve-wracking penalty shootout. Indian captain Shami rose to the occasion a second time to bury the final penalty into the net.

SAFF U19 Championship holders India made the final with a resounding 3-0 victory against the Maldives in the semi-finals.

Earlier in the tournament, the Indian U19 football team topped Group B after defeating Sri Lanka 8-0 and Nepal 4-0.

Also Read: Indian Football’s Probable Squad For 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers Announced; Sunil Chhetri Included

2025 SAFF U19 Championship Awards

Highest Goal-scorer: Danny Laishram (5 goals), India
Best Goalkeeper: Suraj Singh Aheibam, India
Most Valuable Player: Md Arbash, India
Fair Play Award: India