India lift maiden SAFF U18 title

by Rounak Majumdar September 29, 2019

The U-18 National Team lifted the SAFF U-18 Championship for the first time where they beat Bangladesh U-18 2-1 in the final held at Kathmandu today (Sunday, September 29, 2019).

India took an early lead through Vikram Partap Singh’s 2nd-minute strike. The men in Blue seemed dominant through the entirety of the starting half. However, when the clock approached half time, Yeasin Arafat equalised for Bangladesh at the 40^th minute.

Things worsened a bit when both the teams were penalised for a brawl. Gurkirat Singh of India and Md Fahim of Bangladesh were given marching orders following a melee. Bangladesh was further reduced to 9 men in the 40^th minute when rival skipper Yeasin was booked for a second yellow card for his illegitimate celebration following the equaliser. As the match continued to the next half, India played with 10. Bangladesh struggled with 9 on the pitch.

During the second half, both the teams tried to launch several attacks. Downed by 2 men, the 9 Bangladeshi players played well but eventually succumbed at the dying moments. Ravi Bahadur Rana scored off a screamer from about 30 yards and sealed the title for team India.

Coach Floyd Pinto was overwhelmed with the team’s result and lauded the sacrifices and commitment from his outfit.“I had maintained that it will take a moment of brilliance to end this SAFF Championship, and it was fitting that Ravi finished if off with a wonderful strike,” Head Coach Floyd Pinto stated moments after the final whistle. He further claimed that team India was not only the best football team in this tournament but also were the most effective.

Ninthoinganba Meetei from India was adjudged the Most Valuable Player of the tournament.

“Congratulations to everyone. The team improved with every match. It’s double delight for Indian youth teams especially after the U-16 qualified to AFC Championships last week. Keep it up.” read a message sent by Praful Patel, the President of the All India Football Federation

Mr. Kushal Das, General Secretary, AIFF in his message said: “The SAFF U-18 Championship had been eluding us. Congratulations to everyone. This triumph will add confidence prior to the AFC U-19 Qualifiers in November which is the ultimate test.”

The victory makes it sweeter with the U-15 National Team having lifted the SAFF U-15 Championship beating Bangladesh in the final on August 2019. While the U-16 National Team went on to qualify for the AFC U-16 Championships, the U-19 Team will play the AFC Qualifiers in November in their quest to qualify for the AFC Finals.