DHAKA, Sept 27, 2025 (BSS)- Despite arousing some hope in the last moment, Bangladesh hope of winning the SAFF U-17 Championship crown vanished into blue as they finished runners-up after losing to India by 4-1 goals in penalty shootout in the nail-biting final held at Racecourse ground in Colombo, Sri Lanka today.

The match rolled in to tie breaker after the regulation time ended 2-2 draw.

In the tie breaker, India scored three goals from the first three shots. Bangladesh scored a goal from the third shot after missing the first two attempts. India converted the fourth shot ensuring their title in the tournament. 

Earlier, the early breakthrough came for India in the 3rd minute. Taking a cross from left wing Dallmalmuon Gangte perfectly executed the goal from the close range.

Bangladesh however staged a fight back following a well-worked corner routine. Mohamad Manik sent the ball home with a header from the handshake distance, after taking a head pass from his fellow mate Azim in the 24th minute.

India again took lead in the 39th minute of the match. Azlaan Shah scored the second goal with a left footer placing shot from the danger zone.

But Ihsan Habib Riduan again brought back Bangladesh in the game seconds before the final whistle, leading the final towards the penalty shootout.

It was the seventh occasion India won the age level title of the SAFF football after 2013, 2017, 2019, 2022, 2023 and 2024. 

Earlier, on way to the final, Bangladesh beat Pakistan by 2-0 goals in the first semifinal while India defeated Nepal by 3-0 goals in the second semis. 

Bangladesh U-17 football team - Alif Rahman Imtiaz, Tasin Saheb, Chandro Saha, Ikramul Islam, Azam Khan, Md Raj, Sabbir Islam, Shadat Hossain, Tarek Hossain, Ishan Habib Riduan, Kamal Merdha, Namul Huda Faisal (captain), Md Manik, Rifat Kazi, Ashik, Opu Rahman, Ruhul Amin Akash, Akash Ahmed, Mohin Ahmmed, Md Arif, Bayzit Bostami, Mahin Miah Sojib and Akash Ahammad.