U-17s fall at final shootout

Bangladesh came from behind twice, including a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser, but ultimately fell 4-1 to India in a penalty shootout in the final of the SAFF Under-17 Championship at the Race Course Ground in Colombo on Saturday.

Golam Rabbani Choton's side, who reached the final without conceding a goal, dominated proceedings in terms of possession and attacking play. However, they lacked composure in front of goal and proved less clinical than their Indian counterparts -- especially in the decisive shootout.

India struck first in the fourth minute when Dallalmuon Gangte flicked in a near-post effort from a precise cross by Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam, which Bangladesh's defence failed to clear. After a shaky opening 15 minutes, Bangladesh gradually found their rhythm, and Mohammad Manik headed in the equaliser in the 25th minute from a corner by captain Nazmul Huda Faysal.

Opu Rahman nearly put Bangladesh ahead with a header that clipped the crossbar, but India retook the lead through Azlan Shah, who scored from a rebound after Alif Rahman had parried another dangerous Gunleiba delivery.

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Bangladesh dominated the second half against a retreating Indian side and were denied by the woodwork again when Faysal's powerful drive struck the bar in the 50th minute. India, too, hit the bar late on, but Bangladesh's persistence paid off in stoppage time. Ihsan Habib Riduan pounced on a loose ball following a long throw-in from Sabbir Islam to make it 2-2 and send the match to penalties.

However, the shootout proved one-sided. While India converted all four of their spot-kicks, Bangladesh could only score once through Manik, falling short in the final for the third consecutive edition. Bangladesh, who previously won the Saff youth titles in 2015 (U-16) and 2018 (U-15), were once again forced to settle for second best as India lifted their seventh crown at this level.