India and Bangladesh share SAFF U-19 Women's Championship Title

By: WE Staff | Friday, 9 February 2024

India and Bangladesh won the SAFF U-19 Women's Championship in a bizarre shootout, coin toss, and on field protests, resulting in a walkout and drama. A remarkable event was shown by Bangladesh and India at the Championship in Dhaka which finished in a 1-1 draw during regular play.

The referee asked the skippers, Afeida Khandakar of Bangladesh and Nitu Linda of India, to the middle of the pitch for a coin toss in order to select the winner. At first, Nitu made an accurate call, and India was crowned the winner. The drama was increased by the walkouts and protests on the field. In an unexpected turn of events, the winning title was shared by both teams. In the shootout, both sides scored 11 penalties each.

This result was exceptional because neither the International Association Football Board rulebook nor the SAFF tournament allow for a coin toss to be used as a decision. The match commissioner agreed that the penalty shootout should have gone on, resulting in a shared championship for Bangladesh and India in the 2024 tournament.

The spectators saw a spectacular match, and although the supporters might have been in shock, the winning Indians celebrated a significant win.