Lose 3-4 in shootout

Reigning champions India U20 Men’s National team went down fighting on penalties 3-4 (FT1-1) against Bangladesh in the Semi-final of the SAFF U20 Championship that was played at the ANFA Complex in Lalitpur, Nepal, on Monday, 26 August, 2024.  

Bangladesh’s substitute goalkeeper Mohammed Asif (who came in for injured first choice custodian and captain Mehdi Hasan Srabon midway in the second half) two crucial penalty saves proved to be the decisive factor in the end, while it was tale of missed opportunities for the three times champions India which dominated the proceedings despite having conceded a first half goal due to defensive lapse.

Pramveer, Gwgwmsar Goyary and Manjot Singh Dhami scored from the spot for India after their team mates Thanglalsoun Gangte and Akash Tirkey’s first and last shot were blocked by Asif.

On the other hand Mohammed Pias Ahmed Nova, Moinul Islam Moin, Shakil Ahad Topu and Ashraful Haque Asif made no mistake in their first four attempts to pave Bangladesh entry in to the final for the fourth time and take on host Nepal in their quest for their maiden title

Earlier Asadul Islam Sakib put Bangladesh in the lead in the 36th minute following a defensive error by the India backline.  The predatory Asadul capatalised on the Mohammed Rabby Hossen Rahul cross from the left, before volleying it past the hapless Indian custodian Priyansh Dubey, who earlier had made an outstanding save of a Mohammed Rabby Rahul powerful long range shot from outside the box.

India pushed hard for an equalizer only to see Korou Singh Thingujam fluff a one-on-one opportunity with the goalkeeper Srabon in the 53rd minute into the second half and eight minutes later, substitute Thanglalsoun Gangte’s strike from a promising position rattled the post.

Indian captain Ricky Meetei Haobam however scored the equalizer past rival goalkeeper Asif in the 75th minute with a low shot into the back of the net after capitalising on a well-timed pass from substitute Naoba Meitei Pangambam on the left.  

Two times champions Nepal earlier on Sunday edged past Bhutan 4-1 on penalties (FT 1-1) in the first semi-final. Bhutan managed to break the deadlock through Jetsuen Dorji (56’) after a goalless first half. Nirajan Dhami (76’) scored the equalizer soon after much to the delight of his Nepalese team mates. In the penalty shoot out the hosts converted all their first four attempts by Ram Thapa, Abinash Syangtan,  Semanta Thapa and Jiyarat Shekh. On the other hand Zetsuen was the lone goal scorer for the visitors from the spot.

India U-20: Priyansh Dubey (GK), Ricky Meetei Haobam (C), Thomas Cherian, Pramveer, Manjot Singh Dhami, Korou Singh Thingujam, Gwgwmsar Goyary, Ebindas Yesudasan (Akash Tirkey, 86’), Malemngamba Singh Thokchom (Thanglalsoun Gangte, 58’), Kelvin Singh Taorem (Vanlalpeka Guite, 74’), Manglenthang Kipgen (Naoba Meitei Pangambam, 74’).

Results (Semi-finals):

Nepal 1 (4) (Nirajan Dhami 76’) beat Bhutan (1) (Jetsuen Dorji 56’). (HT 0-0)

India 1 (3) (Ricky Meetei Haobam 75’) lost to Bangladesh 1 (4) (Asadul Islam Sakib 36’). (HT 0-1)

Photo Cover: Indian captain Ricky Meetei Haobam (air bound) rejoices with his team mates after scoring the equalizer (Photo courtesy The-AIFF)

Photo Above: An action packed moment from the India (Orange outfit) -Bangladesh (Green) second semi-final match of the SAFF U20 Championship 2024 being hosted by Nepal. (Photo courtesy SAFFederation)