SAFF U19 Women's Championship: India and Bangladesh have been declared as the joint winners of the South Asian Football Federation's Under19 Women's Championship amidst huge controversy, in which India was earlier declared the winner of the tournament via a coin toss. This led to a huge protest from the Bangladesh contingent as they were left hanging high and dry by the unfair call made by the officials. Now, after a very long troubled process, the trophy has now been shared.
“India despite being declared winners after the spin of 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," said M Satyanarayan, AIFF Acting Secretary-General.
India Women U19 Vs Bangladesh Women U19 - SAFF Women's Championship Final - Match Report
India and Bangladesh faced off in the final at BSSSMK Stadium on Thrusday, February 8. The young Tigresses were seeking a revenge over the hosts as they had earlier lost to the same opposition 1-0 in the group stages. The revenge was on the mark in a perfect manner as Sibani Devi scored an early goal to silence a highly active and loud crowd of Bangladeshi's as they came in good number to support their Under 19 Women's team.
India were seconds away from clinching their fourth title but a 90+4th minute equaliser by Mosammat Sagarika levelled the scoring and saved the day for Bangla Tigresses. Both teams went to penalty shootout and converted all 11 of their shots as keepers from both the sides failed to save even one penalty. However, it was during the coin toss for the winner that the chaos erupted as Bangla fans went violent and Indian side had to rush inside the dressing room and after a chaotic affair consisting of violence and protests, both teams agreed to share the trophy.