India trounced Bangladesh 5-2 at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha to clinch the SAFF U20 Championship title.
Gurkirat Singh led the Indian attack with four goals in the match and finished as the tournament’s top scorer with eight goals. Apart from Gurkirat’s goalfest, Himangshu Jangra also found the net. MD. Rajon Howladar and Shahin Mia were the two scorers for Bangladesh.
India took an early lead in the first minute after the Bangladesh keeper MD Asif brought down Gurkirat inside the box. Gurkirat converted from the spot after sending the keeper the wrong way for India’s first. Despite trailing early, Bangladesh did not panic and kept the Indian defence busy with its expansive style of play from the flanks.
Right before half-time, MD. Rajon Howladar equalized for Bangladesh and at the beginning of second half, they took the lead through Shahin Mia in 48′. In the 60′ Gurkirat equalized for India.
The match ended at 2-2 in the regulation 90 minutes. Himanshu gave India the lead in 92′ while Gurkirat scored the other two goals in 93′ and 99′.
Gurkirat Singh won Golden boot and Player of the tournament award. Som Kumar won the Golden Gloves Award.
Picture Courtesy: AIFF Media
