On August 18, we saw the Sylhet District Divisional stadium flooded with football enthusiasts. The skies were grim in consistency with the sequel of day-long showers all over the country. The cloud-ridden weather, the sticky playing conditions and the bustle of the weekday could not waver the fervour of the local crowd one bit. The capacity of nearly twenty-five thousand was filled up for the much anticipated final between hosts Bangladesh and visiting India. The SAFF Under-16 football tournament was at its climax with arguably the two best sides of the 6-team tournament going head-to-head for the title of the third edition of this tournament.
As prelude to the tournament, Bangladesh was termed underdogs, after failing to reach the finals in the first two editions of this age-level contest. India was the defending champion, winning the trophy a couple of years ago in Nepal, and was considered favourites this time around as well. The pressure on Bangladesh was built up due to the simple fact that it was hosting the event for the first time.
Bangladesh had reached the finals defeating India in its final group stage bout by 2 goals to 1. The emerging talents of the country had stepped up to the pedestal and seemed a well-oiled machine on their way to the final, drubbing Sri Lanka 4-0, and also handing a 1-0 defeat to Afghanistan in the semi-finals. With each step forward, the hopes around the young footballers of the country escalated.
Furthermore, the media coverage helped their success reach out to the masses. The presence of a full-house each time Bangladesh took, the field came as a breath of fresh air in the resurgence of the beautiful game in our country.
As the national anthem of both sides echoed in the noisy Sylhet Divisional Stadium, the feeling of anticipation captured the uncertainties regarding Bangladesh coming so close to winning a SAFF football competition in years. Bangladesh seemed to be a gear ahead of its opponent right from the first whistle; the anomalies of friction and evenness of the playing ground seemed to suit the hosts. The Indian mid-field made a conscious effort to keep the ball, and organise well-structured attacks but it was always the Bangladesh counter attack that looked more promising each time India’s attack broke out. A few half-chances were squandered around India’s D-box, as a low drive from Bangladesh’s Shawon went straight to the keeper in the 21st minute while a headed opportunity went over the post a couple of minutes later. A fluent Bangladesh side kept the Indian defence on its toes, as the first half ended 0-0.
A minute into the second half, Bangladesh got its reward for all the attacking flare shown. A cross from the right found a Bangladesh forward who glanced it down with his head to Fahim. The young mid-fielder showed immense confidence as he back-heeled the ball past the Indian goal-keeper into the net, giving the hosts a deserving 1-0 lead and the crowd an occasion to scream their hearts out chanting ‘Bangladesh, Bangladesh!’
India had to press up high. The few minutes after Bangladesh took the lead gave way to some nervy moments as a flurry of chances came India’s way. Each time the attacks being fended off by Bangladesh’s defence, with special credit to goal-keeper Faisal Ahmed. India even had a goal disallowed for offside and it seemed that even lady luck was on the host’s side.
It needed a stupendous solo effort in the 63rd minute from Indian mid-fielder Amay Avinash to bring the visitors back in the game. From around 40 yards out, he lashed out a beautiful strike that rocketed to the top corner and the score was even once again. The men in red who banked on fast-paced counter attacking play had to shift gears again looking for a decider. Approaching the 90-minute mark, the deadlock was yet to be broken. The tired legs from both sides were exposed on a wet and sticky Sylhet surface.
It was time to decide the match on penalties as both teams converged into separate huddles to make last minute discussions. Bangladesh had to take the first shot. Fahim made no mistake sliding a side-footer to the keeper’s left and into the net. The keeper guessed right, but failed to reach the ball. India forward Saurabh emulated Fahim’s attempt and made it 1-1. Jahangir wrong-footed the Indian keeper, making it 2-1 in the host’s favour and Rakip converted his shot in return. At 2-2 after two rounds, the pressure was intense on Bangladesh’s next spot-kick taker Atik and he made no mistake either. But his counterpart hit the bar giving Bangladesh a 3-2 lead. Saad scored the fourth penalty leaving India’s Saqlain in a must-score situation. Bangladesh keeper Faisal Ahmed leaped to his right and got a hold of Saqlain’s weak attempt. The entire Bangladesh team converged on the keeper as the elated crowd jumped off their feet waving the Bangladesh flag. Bangladesh completed a memorable 4-2 victory in the tie-breaker scenario to clinch the SAFF under-16 title for the first time.
The winner’s trophy was given away to the Bangladesh skipper by Kazi Salauddin, former football legend and current President of Bangladesh Football Federation, in presence of the cream of Bangladesh Football including Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Arif Khan Joy.