Heartbreak for Bangladesh, as India win final in penalties

Banglapress Published: 23 September 2025, 10:25 AM

Heartbreak for Bangladesh, as India win final in penalties

Bangla Press Desk: The dream was alive. Their eyes were on the glory. One hand was already on the trophy. But in the end, they were left with broken hearts. The Bangladesh Under-19 football team lost to India in the SAFF Under-19 Championship, falling 4-3 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in regulation time at the Golden Jubilee Outdoor Stadium in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh, on Sunday. After three rounds of the shootout, Bangladesh led 3-2, with goalkeeper Ismail Hossain Mahin saving Rohen Singh’s shot. Two successful penalties from the remaining kicks would have sealed the title for the young Tigers. But captain Nazmul Huda Faysal and Salah Uddin Sahed failed to convert their spot-kicks. Jodric Abraanches and Singamayum Shami, on the other hand, held their nerve to secure India’s back-to-back SAFF Under-19 titles in front of a jubilant home crowd.

Bangladesh were left in despair, clutching runners-up medals as a mere ‘consolation.’ India started the game strongly, breaking the deadlock in just the 67th second. Bangladesh goalkeeper Mahin misjudged the flight of a long, dipping free-kick from Indian captain Singamayum Shami, allowing the ball to sail into the net. Buoyed by the early goal, the hosts continued pressing forward, forcing Bangladesh into defensive errors. India had several chances in the opening quarter, but poor finishing kept the visitors in the contest. As the first half progressed, the momentum began to shift. Bangladesh started creating opportunities and looked more composed. Rifat Kazi appeared to have equalized in the 42nd minute, but the goal was ruled out due to a foul in the build-up, as called by the referee.

Head coach Golam Rabbani's side continued to push, and their persistence paid off in the 60th minute. Joy Ahamed found the net following a chaotic goalmouth scramble after a corner, restoring hope for the red-and-greens. Both sides had chances afterward, but neither could find a winner, sending the match directly into a penalty shootout. Mithu Chowdhury, Mursed Ali, and Joy Ahamed scored Bangladesh’s first three penalties, sparking dreams of glory—only for those dreams to turn, once again, into heartbreak. Source: DS [Bangla Press is a global platform for free thought. It provides impartial news, analysis, and commentary for independent-minded individuals. Our goal is to bring about positive change, which is more important today than ever before.] BP/ZE

[Bangla Press is a global platform for free thought. It provides impartial news, analysis, and commentary for independent-minded individuals. Our goal is to bring about positive change, which is more important today than ever before.]