Bangladesh Edge India in Dramatic Penalty Shootout to Reach SAFF U20 Final

The Indian U20 men's football team lost to Bangladesh 3-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the SAFF U20 Championship semi-final. Bangladesh will face Nepal in the final, thanks to crucial saves by their substitute goalkeeper Mohammed Asif. Asadul Islam Sakib and Ricky Meetei Haobam were the scorers.

In a nail-biting semi-final of the SAFF U20 Championship, the Indian U20 men's football team fell to Bangladesh 3-4 on penalties after a 1-1 deadlock in regulation time.

Bangladesh will clash with host nation Nepal in Wednesday's final, propelled by substitute goalkeeper Mohammed Asif's decisive penalty saves.

Despite India's early dominance and an equaliser from Ricky Meetei Haobam, it was Asadul Islam Sakib's 36th-minute goal and Asif's shootout heroics that secured Bangladesh's path to the final.

(With inputs from agencies.)