India retained the SAFF U-19 Championship 2025 title with a thrilling 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Bangladesh, sealed by a calm final strike from Singamayum Shami of Manipur.
The Blue Colts took an early lead just two minutes in, thanks to a superb free kick from Shami. Bangladesh equalised in the 61st minute through Md Joy Ahamed, forcing the final into penalties after a tense 1-1 draw.
Despite a miss by Rohen Singh, India stayed composed. Goalkeeper Suraj Singh Aheibam made a crucial save, and with everything on the line, Shami, who had opened the scoring, stepped up again to slot in the decisive penalty, crowning India as back-to-back champions.
Shami, who hails from Manipur, continues to shine as one of India’s brightest young football prospects.
