India U-17 clinches SAFF title with dramatic 4-1 penalty shootout win; crowned champions for 11th time

Colombo: India’s Under-17 football team has successfully defended its SAFF U-17 Championship crown, winning the 2025 edition held in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The final against Bangladesh was a nail-biting encounter that ended 2-2 after regular time. India emerged victorious 4-1 in the penalty shootout to lift the trophy for the 11th time in the men’s youth category.

Final Match Highlights

India took an early lead with a goal in the 3rd minute by Dallamuon Gangte from a rebound. Bangladesh equalised in the 24th minute through MD Manik. Azlaan Shah KH restored India’s lead in the 37th minute, but Bangladesh responded dramatically in stoppage time with another goal by MD Manik, sending the game into a tense penalty shootout.

In the shootout, India was clinical, scoring four of their penalties while Bangladesh managed just one. The Indian squad showed remarkable composure and resilience under pressure to secure the hard-fought victory.

Journey to the Final

India’s dominant run included a 3-0 semi-final win over Nepal, sealed by goals from standout performers Wangkheirakpam Gunleiba, Azlaan Shah Kh, and Diamond Singh Thokchom. Head coach Bibiano Fernandes praised his team’s character for maintaining focus and discipline in tough moments, emphasising the importance of unity and belief in their team philosophy.

Bangladesh, the worthy finalists, had impressed by beating Pakistan 2-0 in their semi-final and displaying strong performances against other teams, including a 4-0 group stage thrashing of Nepal and Sri Lanka. Their physical style of play posed a major challenge throughout the tournament.