An Unbeaten Run Helps To Win SAFF Men’s U-17 Championship 2024

The Indian Men’s Football U-17 (Under 17) lifted the SAFF (South Asian Football Federation) Men’s U-17 Championship after defeating Bangladesh in the final game of the tournament. The final was played at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan. An unbeaten run throughout the tournament after winning the title is like cherry on top for Indian Football.

Final Game

Match : India vs Bangladesh

Summary : After the games started India dominated throughout the first half of the game but unfortunately the scorecard was 0-0 until first half. It is clear that the goal for Team India will come at any time after stellar performance in attack and defense. 

When the Second half started Mohammed Kaif hit the goal in the 55th Minute of and India broke the deadlock. Also India scored the second goal and sealed the game completely in the injury time by the courtesy of Mohammed Arbash in the 95th minute.

Final Scoreline : India (2)-Bangladesh (0) was the final score line.

Awards of the tournament

• Player of the Tournament : Mohammed Arbash (INDIA)
• Goal Keeper of the Tournament : Aheibam Suraj Singh (INDIA)
• Top Scorer of the Tournament : Sujan Dangol (4 Goals) (NEPAL)
• Fair Play Trophy : BHUTAN

About SAFF

• The South Asian Football Federation is a regional football association of South Asian countries.
• It was founded in 1997 by Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan later joined the Federation.
• SAFF organizes both seniors and juniors tournaments for men and women.
• The tournament organized for seniors (men/women) is called the SAAF Championships.
• The junior event for men is organized for the various age groups: U-16, U-17, U-19, and U-20.
• The junior events for women are organized in U-15, U-16, U-17, U-18, and U-20 categories.

Headquarters: Dhaka, Bangladesh 

President of SAFF: Kazi Md. Salahuddin of Bangladesh

India’s Men’s Performance in SAFF

• India performed well in this tournament in different age category groups.
• U-15 : Won titles in 2017 and 2019.
• U-16 : Won titles in 2013 and 2023.
• U-17 : Won titles in 2022 and 2024.