Bangladesh lifted the SAFF Under-20 Championship title for the second time after beating India 4-3 on penalties in the final of the 2026 edition on Friday at the National Stadium in Male, Maldives.

Ronan Sullivan scored the winning penalty with a cheeky 'panenka' to send the Bangladesh dugout into a frenzy. While it was Bangladesh's second such success, this is the first time they beat India in the final, having lost three previous finals against their bigger neighbours before.

This second regional age group championship in three years solidifies Bangladesh's emerging edge in South Asian youth football under head coach Mark Cox.

Neither side managed to break the deadlock during 90 minutes of regulation and four minutes of stoppage time, forcing the decisive shootout.

Both teams missed crucial opportunities during a tightly contested first half. India threatened early when an Abrash header narrowly missed the post in the fourth minute.

Bangladesh responded in the 13th minute when captain Mithu Chowdhury headed wide off a free-kick from Ronan Sullivan. Just before halftime, Sullivan launched an acrobatic half-volley from outside the box that sailed over the crossbar.

Bangladesh adopted a more defensive posture in the second half. Goalkeeper Ismail Hossain Mahin survived two misjudged clearances, as Indian forwards failed to capitalize on the exposed net.

Seeking an offensive spark, Cox substituted Philadelphia Union prospect Declan Sullivan into the match in the 66th minute, but the Indian defense held firm.

India had the best chance to secure a victory in the dying minutes of regulation. In the 83rd minute, Rishi Singh delivered a cross into the box, but an unmarked Vishal sent a powerful shot soaring over the crossbar, ensuring the match would be decided by penalties.