SAFF Women’s U-19 Championships: India and Bangladesh Co-Share Trophy in Peculiar Final, Secured by Toss

India and Bangladesh shared the SAFF Women’s U-19 Championship trophy in a controversial final decided by a coin toss. After a heated match, the decision to award India the win via toss sparked protests and ultimately led to both teams being declared joint winners.

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In a dramatic turn of events at the SAFF Women’s U-19 Championship final, India and Bangladesh emerged as joint champions after an unusual decision involving a coin toss. The match, held at Bir Shreshtha Shaheed Sipahi Mohammad Mostafa Kamal Stadium in Dhaka, witnessed intense action both on and off the field.

The match began with an early goal from India in the 8th minute of play. However, Bangladesh managed to equalize during stoppage time, leading to a 1-1 draw at the end of regulation time. As neither team could break the deadlock in extra time, the match proceeded to a penalty shootout.

What followed was unprecedented as both teams exhibited remarkable prowess, with all 11 players, including goalkeepers, successfully converting their penalties. With the score tied at 11-11, confusion ensued among players, officials, and spectators alike. Amidst the chaos, the referee made a contentious decision to resolve the deadlock through a coin toss.

India emerged victorious in the toss, triggering celebrations among their players while the Bangladesh team expressed vehement opposition. The situation escalated further as spectators voiced their discontent, leading to disturbances in the stadium.

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After much deliberation, the match commissioner, who initially endorsed the toss decision, reversed his stance. Eventually, both the All India Football Federation and the Bangladesh Football Federation accepted the decision to declare India and Bangladesh as joint winners of the tournament.

This incident marked a historic albeit controversial conclusion to the fifth edition of the SAFF U19 Women's Championship, highlighting the intensity and unpredictability of football competitions at the youth level.

Throughout the tournament's history, India and Bangladesh have been formidable contenders, with this shared victory adding another chapter to their rivalry in women's football.