India U-18 claim maiden SAFF title
The Indian football team lifted the SAFF U-18 Championship for the first time when they defeated Bangladesh 2-1 in the title clash here on Sunday.
India surged ahead as early as the 2nd minute when Vikram Partap Singh sped past his marker and banged it in. The match-winner came in injury time when the nippy Ravi Bahadur Rana scored off a screamer from about 30 yards.
Yeasin Arafat reduced the margin for Bangladesh in the 40th minute.
"I had maintained that it will take a moment of brilliance to end this SAFF Championship, and it was fitting that Ravi finished if off with a wonderful strike," head coach Floyd Pinto stated moments after the final whistle.
"We were not just the best footballing team in the tournament, but also the most effective team. I am really happy for the boys. They earned it," he added.
"The sacrifices, and the commitment of the boys was exemplary."
India's Ninthoinganba Meetei was adjudged the Most Valuable Player of the tournament.
All India Football Federation ..