India U20 Falls to Bangladesh in Semi-Final Penalties at SAFF Championship

The India U20 men's National team was defeated 3-4 on penalties by Bangladesh in the SAFF U20 Championship semi-final after a 1-1 regulation time draw. Bangladesh's substitute goalkeeper Mohammed Asif played a crucial role with two penalty saves, leading his team to the final against Nepal.

In a nail-biting semi-final at the SAFF U20 Championship in Lalitpur, Nepal, the India U20 men's National team succumbed to a 3-4 defeat on penalties against Bangladesh after the match ended in a 1-1 draw on Monday.

Bangladesh led 1-0 at halftime, courtesy of a 36th-minute volley by Asadul Islam Sakib, while India's captain Ricky Meetei Haobam equalized in the 74th minute. The match saw both teams exhibiting strong defensive organization, but it was Bangladesh's substitute goalkeeper, Mohammed Asif, who made the decisive impact with two critical penalty saves.

The penalty shootout began disastrously for India as Mohammed Asif saved Thanglalsoun Gangte's shot. Despite scores from Pramveer, Gwgwmsar Goyary, and Manjot Singh Dhami, a final save by Asif on Akash Tirkey's shot sealed India's fate. Bangladesh successfully converted all four of their penalty attempts to secure a spot in Wednesday's final against hosts Nepal.

(With inputs from agencies.)