Bangladesh and India Set to Clash in SAFF U-19 Championship Final

Bangladesh and India have both secured their spots in the final of the SAFF U-19 Championship following hard-fought victories in the semi-finals. Bangladesh edged past Nepal with a 2-1 win, while India dominated Maldives with a convincing 3-0 scoreline. The final promises to be an exciting clash as both teams aim for the championship title. Read on to discover how each team reached this pivotal match and what to expect in the showdown.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 17, 2025, 08:42 IST

Bangladesh Advances to Final

In a thrilling semi-final match, Bangladesh secured their place in the SAFF U-19 Championship final by defeating Nepal U-19 with a score of 2-1. The match, held in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh, saw a goalless first half, but the action picked up significantly in the last 20 minutes. Ashikur Rahman broke the deadlock in the 74th minute with a composed finish, followed by Nazmul Huda Faysal scoring just seven minutes later, giving Bangladesh a solid lead.

Nepal managed to pull one back in the 87th minute with a goal from Sujan Dangol, igniting hopes for a comeback. However, Bangladesh maintained their composure in the final moments to clinch a well-deserved victory.

India Dominates Maldives in Semi-Final

In the other semi-final, India showcased their strength by defeating Maldives 3-0, securing their spot in the final of the SAFF U-19 Championship 2025. The match took place at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia, where the home crowd witnessed a dominant performance from the Indian team, even amidst heavy rain.

Danny Meitei Laishram opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a stunning left-footed volley from a corner taken by Prashan Jajo. Just six minutes later, Omang Dodum added a second goal, capitalizing on a clever assist from Meitei, giving India a comfortable 2-0 lead at halftime.

India's Tactical Mastery

Despite Maldives showing some attacking intent, they struggled to penetrate India's solid defense. Goalkeeper Suraj Singh Aheibam was crucial in thwarting any attempts from the opposition. In the second half, India tactically adjusted to prevent Maldives from gaining momentum, effectively closing down passing lanes.

The match took a decisive turn in the 65th minute when Jajo scored India's third goal following a goalkeeping error from Maldives' custodian Xahran Hassan Ziyad, sealing the match at 3-0. Even with late attempts from Maldives, India's defense held firm, concluding another impressive performance.

Final Matchup

With both teams now set to face each other in the final, the anticipation builds for what promises to be an exciting showdown.