18/05/2025
Record-seeking India will lock horns with Bangladesh in the final of the SAFF U-19 Championship 2025 at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia today, aiming to secure their 10th men’s age-group title in the regional competition.
India, under the guidance of head coach Bibiano Fernandes, have been in commanding form throughout the tournament, registering emphatic victories against Sri Lanka (8-0), Nepal (4-0), and Maldives (3-0 in the semi-final), without conceding a single goal.
Fernandes, who is aiming for his fourth SAFF title as coach, praised the home support. “We saw so many fans under such heavy rain, and nobody left the stands. It was amazing. I urge the fans to come back for the final—we’ll give our best and entertain them again,” he said.
Midfielder and captain Singamayum Shami, who was named player of the match in the semi-final, echoed the coach’s sentiments. “The Arunachal people love football so much. As players, we feel proud playing in front of them. We’re ready for the final,” he said.
India and Bangladesh have previously clashed in four SAFF youth finals, with India triumphing on each occasion. Notably, India beat Bangladesh 2-0 in the 2024 SAFF U-17 final, with goals from Md Arbash and Mohammed Kaif—both part of the current U-19 squad.
Bangladesh reached the final after edging Nepal 2-1 in a tense semi-final encounter. Head coach Golam Robbani Choton lauded his team’s resilience, saying, “Our boys have played good football and are confident heading into the final.”
Bangladesh captain Nazmul Huda Faysal, 15, expressed optimism ahead of the clash. “We respect India, they’re a strong team. But we’ve come to win the trophy and will give 100 per cent,” he said.
India have previously won the SAFF U-15, U-16, and U-17 titles twice each, and the U-18, U-19, and U-20 titles once. Victory on Sunday would extend their dominance in South Asian youth football.
The summit clash, scheduled to kick off at 7:00 pm, will be streamed live on the Sportzworkz YouTube channel. Tickets are available online at slotallot.in.
