India U17 Triumphs in SAFF Championship After Thrilling Penalty Shootout
India U17 Claims Seventh SAFF Championship Title
Colombo [Sri Lanka], September 27 - In a nail-biting finale, the India U17 men's national football team showcased remarkable composure to defeat Bangladesh 4-1 in a penalty shootout, securing their seventh title at the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) U17 Championship held at the Racecourse International Stadium on Saturday, September 27, 2025.
The match began with India taking a 2-1 lead at halftime, thanks to early goals from Dallamuon Gangte (4') and Azlaan Shah KH (38'). However, Bangladesh fought back, equalizing with a last-minute goal from Ihsan Habib Riduan, which pushed the game into penalties. According to a statement from the All India Football Federation (AIFF), the Blue Colts maintained their composure when it mattered most.
During the penalty shootout, India displayed maturity beyond their years. Dallamuon Gangte, Korou Meitei Konthoujam, and Indra Rana Magar all converted their kicks confidently, while Shubham Poonia sealed the victory with the decisive fourth penalty. In contrast, Bangladesh faltered under pressure, with Md Ikramul Islam hitting the crossbar and Md Azam Khan's attempt saved by Manashjyoti Baruah. Although Md Manik scored their third penalty, it was too late to change the outcome. India celebrated their victory, reclaiming their title in style.
From the outset, India played with intensity, knowing that Bangladesh had not conceded a goal throughout the tournament. The breakthrough came early in the 4th minute when Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam delivered a cross from the left. After a failed clearance by a Bangladeshi defender, Gangte capitalized on the opportunity, scoring the opening goal.
Despite dominating possession, India struggled to convert their chances, allowing Bangladesh to stay in contention. Bangladesh equalized in the 24th minute after a long-range shot from Nazmul Huda Faysal forced a diving save from Baruah, leading to a corner. Faysal's corner found Manik, who headed it in from close range.
This goal energized Bangladesh, who nearly took the lead in the 29th minute when Md Opu Rahman's header hit the woodwork. India's defense faced increased pressure, but Baruah made several crucial saves to keep Bangladesh at bay.
India regained the lead in the 38th minute due to a defensive error from Bangladesh. Gunleiba again caused trouble down the left, delivering a dangerous cross that the Bangladeshi goalkeeper failed to handle, allowing Azlaan Shah KH to score with a powerful left-footed shot, making it 2-1 before halftime.
In the second half, India adopted a more defensive strategy, aiming to protect their slim lead. Bangladesh pressed for an equalizer, with Islam nearly scoring in the 49th minute with a glancing header from a corner, but Baruah was alert once more.
A fierce shot from Faysal in the 50th minute struck the crossbar, highlighting the match's intensity. India also had opportunities to extend their lead, with Lesvin Rebelo's header from a corner hitting the bar in the 88th minute, and Gangte forcing a good save from distance.
Just when it seemed India would secure victory in regulation time, Bangladesh struck back in the seventh minute of added time. Md Sabbir Islam's long throw into the Indian box created chaos, allowing Ihsan Habib Riduan to score from a loose ball, sending the match to penalties.
Ultimately, it was a night to remember for Bibiano Fernandes' young squad, who held their nerve under pressure to emerge victorious. This victory marks Fernandes' fifth SAFF title, and his second in less than five months, following the SAFF U19 championship win in Arunachal Pradesh in May.