SAFF U-20 C'ship: India suffer 3-4 defeat on shootouts against Bangladesh in semis

The India U-20 men's National team lost 3-4 on penalties against Bangladesh after regulation time ended in a 1-1 draw in the semi-final of the SAFF U20 Championship at the ANFA Complex in Lalitpur, Nepal, on Monday.

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Bangladesh, who led 1-0 at the breather, will meet hosts Nepal in the final on Wednesday.

Two crucial penalty saves by Bangladesh's substitute goalkeeper Mohammed Asif led to the defending champions India's ouster from the tournament, as per a press release from the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

Both teams displayed commendable defensive organ1 isation, but Asif's brilliance under the bar in the penalty shootout separated the two sides. Asadul Islam Sakib put Bangladesh in the lead in the 36th minute, while India's captain Ricky Meetei Haobam scored in the 74th minute to bring India back into the game.

The match began with India showing composure and control in the early stages.

India had their first real opportunity in the fifth minute when Korou Singh Thingujam found space inside the box. However, his header from Ebindas Yesudasan's cross proved mistimed.