Bangladesh emerged champions of the SAFF Under-20 Championship after defeating India 4-3 in a nerve-wracking tie-breaker following a goalless draw in regulation time at the National Stadium in Malé, Maldives, on Friday.

The final turned into a gripping contest as both sides failed to break the deadlock during the stipulated 90 minutes, forcing the match into penalties.

The shootout saw high drama unfold. Bangladesh’s fourth taker Samuel Raksam stepped up amid a brief interruption as Indian goalkeeper Suraj Singh went down injured. After resuming play, Raksam’s effort struck the crossbar, allowing India to level the score at 3-3.

However, the tension escalated further when India’s Omang Dodum missed the fifth penalty, sending the ball wide. Bangladesh’s Ronan Sullivan then calmly sealed the victory with a composed Panenka finish, sparking wild celebrations among the players.

For Bangladesh, Murshed Ali, Chandan Roy, Abdul Riyad Fahim and Ronan Sullivan converted their spot-kicks, while Raksam was the only one to miss.

Earlier, Bangladesh goalkeeper Ismail Hossain Mahin made a crucial save to deny India’s opening penalty. Mohammad Arbas, Samson and Vishal Yadav scored for India, but Dodum’s miss proved decisive.

During regulation time, both teams created several chances but failed to find the net due to resolute defending on both sides.

Ronan Sullivan was particularly lively for Bangladesh, testing the Indian goalkeeper early in the seventh minute and creating multiple attacking opportunities throughout the match.

India also pressed forward, especially down the right flank, but Bangladesh’s defence stood firm.

The tempo increased in the second half as both teams pushed hard for a winner, yet neither could break the deadlock.

Bangladesh eventually clinched the title in the shootout, with Mahin’s save and Sullivan’s composure proving crucial.

This marks Bangladesh’s second SAFF U-20 Championship title, having won the trophy for the first time in 2024. The victory also represents Bangladesh’s maiden final win over India in this age-group competition.