India retained the seven-nation South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) U-17 Championship'2024 title beating Bangladesh by 2-0 goals in the final at the Changlimithang Football Stadium in the Bhutanese capital Thimphu Monday evening.

India beat Bangladesh twice in the just concluded  tournament to win their 6th title in the 9th version of the regional junior meet.

After a barren first half in the day's final,   Mohammad Kaif put India ahead in the 58th minute by a cool header from goalmouth melee, utilizing a right wing corner kick (1-0).

Mohammad Arbash doubled the Indian margin in the last minute of the added time (90+5 minute) by a powerful shot from the edge of the box (2-0).

Bangladesh, which came back to the match after trailing by 0-2 goals against Pakistan in the semifinal, today also managed two good chances, but failed to utilize any.

Defending champions India booked a seat for the final eliminating Nepal by 4-2 goals in the first semifinal. 

India reached the semifinal with an all-win record securing full six points from straight two matches beating Bangladesh by 1-0 goal and outplayed the Maldives by 3-0 goals in the group matches. 

Coming from 0-2 goals behind in the semifinal, Bangladesh dramatically booked a seat for the final eliminating Pakistan by 8-7 goals in the sudden death session of the tie breaker. 

The match locked in 2-2 goals in the stipulated time that forced the match straight to the tie breaker.

Earlier, Bangladesh managed a semifinal berth as Group A runners up securing only one point from both the group matches after playing 1-1 draw with Islanders Maldives and conceding 0-1 goal defeat against India in the injury time.

The Bangladesh team will return home Tuesday morning.