India to face Bangladesh in SAFF U19 final, aim for record 10th title

Boys in blue aim to continue regional domination with big victory against familiar opponents

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

Aiming to win their record-extending 10th SAFF age-group men's tournament, India will take on Bangladesh in the SAFF U19 Championship 2025 final at the Golden Jubilee Stadium here on Sunday.

India has won the U15, U16, and U17 tournaments twice each, and the U18, U19 and U20 once each. Head coach Bibiano Fernandes has won three of them and is looking for his fourth on Sunday.

Bangladesh is a familiar opponent for the Blue Colts. The two nations have met in four SAFF men's age-group finals, and India has won all four, including last year's SAFF U17 final by 2-0, with goals from Md Arbash and Mohammed Kaif, both of whom are part of the current U19 squad.

India has showcased utter dominance in front of a roaring Arunachal Pradesh crowd so far, winning 8-0 and 4-0 against Sri Lanka and Nepal, respectively, in the group stage, and 3-0 against the Maldives in the semi-final on Friday.

Fernandes and captain Singamayum Shami had plenty of praise for the local crowd who have come in increasing numbers in every India match, especially during the semi-final under pouring rain.