Defeat Bangladesh 2-0

A resilient India side defeated eastern neighbours Bangladesh 2-0 in the summit clash of the SAFF Men’s U17 Championship 2024 at the picturesque Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan, on Monday, 30 September, 2024. In the process Ngamgouhou Mate led side not only ended the tourney with an all win record but also retained the crown, after having won the previous one in 2022.

After a goalless first half which saw India dominate their rivals, overlapping Indian defender Mohammed Kaif put the Men in Blue ahead with a crisp header past the hapless Bangladesh custodian Nahidul Islam. The goal which was scored in the 58th minute from close range inside the six-yard box, following a tantalizing corner kick by the versatile midfielder Ngamgouhou. It was redemption time for Mohammed who made up for his few missed opportunities at the goalmouth in crucial times on a few occasions earlier for the Blue Colts against a side which had resorted to time tested method of defending deep resolutely in the final.

Bangladesh, shocked by the unexpected breach in the defense, went about in search of the equalizer with a series of attacks to keep their dream for the title alive. The strategy nearly brought the desired result in the 67th minute. However an alert Indian goalkeeper Aheibam Suraj Singh rose to the task to avert a situation that had a goal written all over.

To the delight of the goodly spectators at the stadium, the Ishfaq Ahmed coached Indian side continued in their efforts to extend the slender lead with their aggressive attacks.

India were rewarded for their persistence five minutes in the injury time. The versatile midfielder Mohammed Arbash soon was in thick of action and capitalized on the opportunity with a stinging left footer from inside the box that crashed against the net to ensure the Blue Colts travel back to India with the winners’ trophy.

Indian custodian Aheibam Suraj Singh who maintained a clean sheet in the final was named as the Best Goalkeeper of the Tourney, while his team mate Mohammed Arbash took home the the Most Valuable Player award.

Nepal’s striker Sujan Dangol won the Highest Scorer Award for his four goals in the SAFF championship. Host Bhutan on the other hand who narrowly missed a place in the semis to Nepal, won the Fair Play Trophy (Photo courtesy - AIFF)

India U17: Aheibam Suraj Singh (GK); Karish Soram, Brahmacharimayum Sumit Sharma, Mohammed Kaif, Yaipharemba Chingakham; Md Arbash, Ngamgouhou Mate (C), Levis Zangminlun; Ahongshangbam Samson (Manbhakupur Malngiang, 68’), Bharat Lairenjam (Hemneichung Lunkim, 87’), Vishal Yadav (N Rishi Singh, 87’).

Result (Final)

India 2 (Mohammed Kaif, 58’, Mohammed Arbash, 90+5’) beat Bangladesh 0. (HT 0-0)