The stage is set for the SAFF U-19 Championship final in which Bangladesh will take on host India on May 18 (Sunday).
While Bangladesh edged Nepal in the semi-finals, India crushed Maldives for the summit clash.
SAFF U-19 Football Championship 2025: Semi-final 1: Bangladesh 2-1 Nepal
Bangladesh stormed into the final of the tournament beating Nepal by 2-1 goals in the first semi final match held at Golden Jubilee Outdoor Stadium in Arunachal Pradesh on Friday.
After a goalless first half, Bangladesh fought back strongly and scored back-to-back goals in a span of seven minutes. Ashiqur Rahman got the lead for Bangladesh in the 74th minute as he dispatched the ball to the net with a brilliant header on a corner from Nazmul Huda at left flank.
Captain Nazmul Huda Faisal doubled the lead for Bangladesh in the 81st minute.
The match got intense as Sujan Dungol reduced the margin for Nepal in the 87th minute but Bangladesh did not allow Nepal another goal.
Earlier, Bangladesh drew a 2-2 with Maldives in their opening group match but they blanked Bhutan 3-0 in the second match to emerge as group A winners at the U-19 Football Championship.
SAFF U-19 Football Championship 2025: Semi-final 2- India 3-o Maldives
In the other semi-final, India-the most successful nation with three titles- stormed into the final with a commanding 3-0 victory against Maldives under pouring rain at the same venue in Yupia.
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Goals from Danny Meitei Laishram (14′), Omang Dodum (21′), and Prashan Jajo (66′) ensured a comfortable victory for the hosts, who once again maintained their perfect record — both in terms of wins and clean sheets.
The defending champions dominated right from the word go. The early breakthrough came in the 14th minute as Danny Meitei found the back of the net after connecting to a pass from Prashan Jajo.
Six minutes later, Omang Dodum made no mistake in striking from a close range to give India a 2-0 cushion before the half time.
following a well-worked corner routine. Prashan Jajo floated in a teasing delivery from the left, and Danny Meitei connected sweetly with a left-footed volley that took a bounce and crashed into the back of the net. It was Danny’s fifth goal of the tournament and yet another example of his clinical finishing.
India’s second goal followed just six minutes later and was a product of seamless teamwork. Jajo once again played the architect, darting down the left wing before scooping the ball over the Maldives backline. Meitei smartly laid it off to local favourite Omang Dodum, who made no mistake from close range, giving India a 2-0 cushion heading into half-time.
The second half witnessed a downpour but Indian players remained far from complacent as they did not allow Maldives a comeback. In the 65th minute, Jajo unleashed a powerful right-footed strike from outside the box to seal the victory for India.
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India U19 Squad: Aheibam Suraj Singh (GK), Jodric Abranches, Sumit Sharma Brahmacharimayum, Singamayum Shami (C) (Gurnaj Singh Grewal 82’), Omang Dodum (Bharat Lairenjam 71’), Md Arbash, Chaphamayum Rohen Singh, Malemngamba Singh Thokchom (Roshan Singh Thangjam 46’), Danny Meitei Laishram (Rishi Singh 71’), Sohum Utreja, Prashan Jajo (Yohaan Benjamin 71’).
Bangladesh U19 Squad : Md Ismail Hossain Mahin, Md Nahidul Islam, Raj Chowdury, Ashikur Rahman, Md Mithu Chowdhury, Md Sifat Sahariar, Md Abdul Riyad Fahim, Salah Uddin Sahed, Md Delwar, Sani Das, Md Kamal Merdha, Nazmal Huda Faysal, Md Siya Omit, Md Ratul Hasan, Samuel Raksam, Abdul Kadir, Farzad Syed Aftab, Md Mursed Ali, Md Joy Ahamed, Sree Sumon Soren, Md Manik, Md Rifat Kazi, Ashik
