The Indian under-20 men’s national team lost 3-4 on penalties against Bangladesh after regulation time ended in a 1-1 draw in the semi-final of the SAFF U-20 Championship at the ANFA Complex in Lalitpur, Nepal, on Monday. 

Bangladesh, who was leading by a solitary goal in the half-time will meet hosts Nepal in the final on Wednesday.

Two crucial penalty saves by Bangladesh’s substitute goalkeeper Mohammed Asif led to the defending champions India’s ouster from the tournament.

Both teams displayed commendable defensive organization, but Asif’s brilliance under the bar in the penalty shootout separated the two sides. 

Asadul Islam Sakib put Bangladesh in the lead in the 36th minute, while India’s captain Ricky Meetei Haobam scored in the 74th minute to bring India back into the game.