Singamayum Shami, Aheibam Suraj star as India seal SAFF U-19 Championship title
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 18 2025: Singamayum Shami and Aheibam Suraj's heroics earned India SAFF U-19 Championship 2025 title at the Golden Jubilee Stadium, Yupia in Arunachal Pradesh tonight.

Hosts India and Bangladesh were locked at 1-1 till the end of the regulation time before India came out 4-3 winners in the penalty shootout courtesy of Singamayum Shami final shot.

Shami had put India ahead from a set piece as he lofted home the ball to leave the Bangladesh custodian stunned just two minutes into the game.

Bangladesh kept toiling for the equaliser while India looked to add to their tally but the two sides failed to find the target to enter into the break without further goal.

Bangladesh however drew level thanks following a goalmouth melee as Joy Ahamed tapped a chance to beat the Indian custodian Aheibam Suraj.

India roared back with a series of runs following the equaliser but Bangladesh defenders were up to the task and as the scoreline remained unchanged even after additional 5 minutes, the winners were decided via penalty shoot-out.

In the shoot-out, India were in a spot of bother as Bangladesh led the way converting first three shots and Rohen missed the target following Md Arbash's successful shot.

Ningthoukhongjam Rishi scored to keep India in the hunt before Bangladesh's Faysal missed a shot to make the competition wide open again.

Jodric Abranches then put India ahead completing the fourth successful shot and Aheibam Suraj produced a heroic save before Md Shami stepped up to bang home the winner.

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