Kolkata, April 3: Bangladesh beat the defending champions in the SAFF U20 Championship 2026 in a penalty shootout. The four-time champions, India, fell short in the final against neighbours Bangladesh, losing 4–3 in the shootout on Friday evening at the Male Stadium in the Maldives.
The Blue Colts entered the campaign with an impressive record and approach but failed to impress in the final moments. After beating Pakistan by a big margin, drew one game in the group stage against Bangladesh, defeating Bhutan in the semi-final by another big margin, Blue Colts failed to win the final.
With the kickoff, Bangladesh started with a wave of attacks and dominated early on. The Blue Colts capitalised on the match by creating several goal-bound chances but failed to convert. However, both teams’ defenses were very alert and did not concede, and as a result, the match went to a penalty shootout.
Rishi stepped up for Blue Colts to take the first shot, but Ismail saved the weak effort effortlessly. Murshid gave Bangladesh the lead, and Arbash made it 1–1 for India. Chandan Roy scored the second for Bangladesh, but Samson once again equalised. Abdul Fahim put Bangladesh ahead, and Vishal Yadav made it 3–3 for Blue Colts.
After that, the shootout was paused for a shorter time as India’s keeper Suraj Singh went down with a leg injury. After receiving treatment, he returned within a few minutes. Bangladesh then had their turn, but Samuel hit the crossbar and failed to score. However, the tournament’s top scorer, the final moments came to India to Omang Dudung but he sent his shot over the crossbar, missing the chance to win the trophy for India.
With that win Bangladesh U20 secured their second SAFF, and Mahesh Gawali Blue Colts missed their chance to bring the fifth SAFF U20 title to the home.
SAFF U20 – India vs Bangladesh highlights
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