India and Bangladesh were declared joint winners of the SAFF U19 Women’s Championship at Bir Shrestha Shaheed Shipahi Mustofa Kamal Stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh on Thursday.
Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam gave Young Tigresses the lead in 8′ while Sagorika equalized for Bangladesh in 90+3′.
In penalty shoot-out every player scored from both teams and the match remained locked at 11-11. The organizers decided to go for toss to determine the winner. India won the coin toss, but the decision was later revoked. There was confusion on the part of the match officials regarding the tournament rules, which led to the unprecedented scenes. After more than two hours of waiting, the trophy was shared.
The AIFF Acting Secretary General, Mr. M Satyanarayan said: “India, despite being declared winners after the spin of the coin, decided to accept the officials’ request for sharing the trophy as the situation was simmering and a section of the home fans was found indulging in creating disturbances. Since the security of the players and other team officials is our utmost priority, the AIFF decided to agree to the request of the organisers.”
Earlier, in group stage India defeated Bhutan 10-0, Nepal 4-0, but lost to Bangladesh 1-0, conceded the goal in injury time like it happened in final today.
India U19 Starting XI: Anika Devi Sharubam, Sonibia Devi Irom, Thoibisana Chanu Toijam, Viksit Bara, Pooja, Lalita Boypai, Sulanjana Raul, Nitu Linda, Neha, Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam, Heena Khatun
Picture Courtesy: AIFF Media
