Sport - Football

Bangladesh is champion

Dhaka Jan. 20 . Host Bangladesh won the SAFF Cup football title defeating Maldives 5-3 on penalty shoot-out in a thrilling final after the two teams were locked 1-1 at the end of regulation time and golden goal extra time.

Bangladesh custodian Aminul Islam was the toast of the nation in front of the 45,000 strong crowd saving the second penalty kick by Maldives' Ashraf Luthfy as the host converted all their spot kicks.

The penalties came after the two teams were locked 1-1 at the end of the regulation time and the 30-minute extra time.

Bangladesh took an early lead much to the delight of the roaring spectators when Rokonuzzaman Kanchan scored 12 minutes into the match.

But the footballers from the tiny island nation, who ousted Pakistan in the semifinal, put up a spirited display and restored parity in the 57th minute with a brilliant counter-attack.

India takes third spot

Defending champion India showed its true mettle albeit a bit too late when it overcame arch rivals Pakistan 2-1 via a golden goal in the third-place play-off match.

The momentum of the match picked up after the two teams were locked goalless at half-time. In the 56th minute of the match, star forward Vijayan set up a brilliant goal.

Sarfaraz Rasool restored parity in the 72nd minute, leading a spirited fight back from the Pakistanis.

The match rolled into extra-time when the Indians started taking control of the proceedings. They utilised the flanks to create a series of moves.

And finally their efforts brought success in the second half of extra-time when in the second minute Abhisek Yadav cashing in on a loose ball romped home the winner.

Rasool's fourth goal in the tournament put him on top of the goal scorer's list.

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