Bangladesh finish as runners-up in SAFF U-17 Championship

Despite holding off India in the first half, Bangladesh couldn't avoid defeat in the final of SAFF U-17 Championship 2024 at Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan, on Monday. 

The red-and-green youth team's dream of lifting the title was dashed as they conceded two goals in the second half, losing 2-0. India won the final and secured the title for the second consecutive time.

In the pre-final press conference, Bangladesh coach Saiful Bari Titu admitted that India were the favorites to win. The defending champions played like true favorites in the match.

Although they couldn't score in the first half, the Indian youths made no mistake in the second half. They scored twice, once in the 58th minute and again in injury time, comfortably winning the final and maintaining their dominance.

India's first goal came from a brilliant header off a corner kick. They scored their second goal when Bangladesh, desperate to equalize, played all-out attacking football. Bangladesh is returning home from the tournament without a single win in regular time, having only won the semifinal against Pakistan in a tiebreaker.

After conceding the first goal, coach Saiful Bari Titu made four changes to the team, but it wasn't enough to stop India. India, entering the tournament as favorites, successfully retained their title.

Earlier, India began the game aggressively against Bangladesh. They dominated the entire match, shattering Bangladesh's hopes of winning their first title.

India could have taken the lead with multiple goals in the first half, but missed opportunities kept them from doing so. However, after persistent attacks, they eventually scored twice in the last 32 minutes of the match.