India secured their place in the SAFF U-19 Championship final with a convincing win over the Maldives in the second semi-final, setting up a title clash against Bangladesh.
Golam Rabbani Choton’s side now face their toughest challenge yet — a final showdown against hosts India.
Earlier on Friday, Bangladesh edged past Nepal 2-1 in the first semi-final at Arunachal’s Golden Jubilee Stadium, thanks to a late surge. In the second semi-final at the same venue, India breezed past the Maldives with a dominant 3-0 victory.
The final is scheduled for Sunday at the same stadium, where both unbeaten teams will battle for the title. India reached the final with three straight wins, while Bangladesh progressed with two wins and a draw.
This youth-level competition has previously been held in the U-18, U-19, and U-20 categories. Bangladesh’s only title came in 2024, in the U-20 category.
India were crowned U-19 champions in 2022, and this will be the first time Bangladesh face them in a final in this age group. Coach Choton is eager to end the tournament on a high by defeating the hosts.
“We watched the India vs Nepal match in the group stage and planned accordingly. The boys executed that plan today. In the final, India are always a strong team in South Asia. I hope the Arunachal crowd will witness a competitive and exciting final, and we’ll go out there to win,” said Choton.
