U-19s lose SAFF final in shootout

Bangladesh suffered a heartbreaking loss in a penalty shootout (4-3) against India after fighting back from a goal down in regulation time in the final of the SAFF U-19 Championship at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Arunachal Pradesh on Sunday.

Bangladesh captain Nazmul Huda Faisal blew his shot over the bar before Salah Uddin Shahed saw his shot saved by the opposition keeper after goalkeeper Ismail Hossain Mahin had handed the boys in red and green the advantage with a save from the first shot.

Earlier, it was Mahin's howler which had given India a second-minute lead of the thrilling final, the goalkeeper backpaddling casually to a freekick from India captain Singamayum Shami, eventually watching the ball sail into the back of the net.

The hosts, buoyed by a full-house crowd at the top of their voice, launched a torrent of attacks in the first 15 minutes of the match but Bangladesh soon started controlling the game with their skillful and organised football.

The Bangladesh players applied heavy pressure towards the end of the first half and the persistent pressure paid off 16 minute after the break when substitute Joy Ahmed smashed home from a goalmouth melee as India failed to clear the danger.