Male' Maldives: India and Bangladesh will meet in the final of the SAFF U-20 Championship after both sides secured impressive victories in Wednesday’s semi-finals at the National Football Stadium.
Bangladesh booked their place in the title decider first, edging past Nepal 1-0 in a tightly contested opening semi-final. Forward Md Manik scored the only goal of the match in the 11th minute, heading home from a cross to give Bangladesh an early advantage.
The junior side in red and green nearly doubled their lead moments later when Ronan Sullivan found the net after a fluent attacking move, but the effort was ruled out for offside. Bangladesh continued to press throughout the first half, creating several opportunities while maintaining control in midfield.
Nepal responded strongly after the interval, increasing attacking pressure and pushing for an equaliser, but Bangladesh’s defence remained organised and disciplined to preserve the narrow lead until full time.
Bangladesh’s route to the final has been built on consistency. They opened their Group B campaign with a 2-0 victory over Pakistan, with Ronan Sullivan scoring twice on debut, before earning a 1-1 draw against India in their final group fixture to advance to the knockout stage.
Later in the evening, India produced a commanding performance to defeat Bhutan 5-0 in the second semi-final and confirm a highly anticipated final against Bangladesh.
India took the lead as early as the fourth minute when Omang Dodum finished calmly after a precise cutback from Rohen Chaphamayum. The early goal set the tone for a dominant first half, with India controlling possession and creating repeated threats in the attacking third.
Bhutan nearly found a way back into the match when a long-range lob struck the crossbar, but India punished the missed chance just before half-time. Omang Dodum turned provider with a perfectly weighted pass for MD Arbash, who slotted into an empty net to make it 2-0.
India extended their lead in the second half through Rohen Chaphamayum, who struck twice in quick succession in the 56th and 57th minutes, both goals coming from incisive attacking moves led by MD Arbash.
Malemngamba Singh Thokchom added a fifth goal in stoppage time to complete a dominant display and underline India’s title credentials.
India had entered the semi-finals as Group B winners after defeating Pakistan 3-0 and drawing 1-1 with Bangladesh, while Bangladesh progressed as runners-up on goal difference.
The final on Friday will renew a growing rivalry between the two sides, who also met in the group stage earlier in the tournament, where the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Bangladesh will aim to retain the title they won in the 2024 edition after defeating Nepal 4-1 in the final, while India, the most successful side in tournament history with four titles, will look to add another trophy to their record.
