India Retain SAFF U-17 Championship with 2-0 Victory over Bangladesh

India’s U-17 football team showcased their dominance in South Asian football by clinching the SAFF U-17 Championship 2024 title with a convincing 2-0 win over Bangladesh in the final. The match, held at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan, on Monday, saw India retain their title and maintain their supremacy in the tournament.

After a goalless first half, India broke the deadlock in the 58th minute through Mohammed Kaif’s header. The young striker, who had earlier missed a few opportunities, made amends with a delicate flick from a corner kick that left Bangladesh goalkeeper Nahidul Islam with no chance.

India’s victory was sealed in stoppage time when Mohammed Arbash fired a powerful left-footed shot into the net, capitalizing on a chance inside the box. This late goal not only secured the win but also emphasized India’s attacking intent throughout the match.

The Indian team dominated possession from the start but faced a challenge in breaking down Bangladesh’s ultra-defensive strategy. The opposition’s approach of packing their defence with multiple players made it difficult for India to find clear scoring opportunities in the first half.

India’s goalkeeper, Aheibam Suraj Singh, was called into action in the 67th minute, making a crucial intervention to prevent a potential equalizer. This save proved vital in maintaining India’s lead and momentum.

The victory marks another successful campaign for India in youth football, highlighting the country’s growing strength at the grassroots level. The team’s performance throughout the tournament, culminating in this final victory, demonstrates the effectiveness of India’s youth development programs and bodes well for the future of Indian football.

This triumph in the SAFF U-17 Championship adds to India’s impressive record in regional youth tournaments and reinforces its status as a dominant force in South Asian football at the junior level.