Swarna rani mandal

SAFF U19 Women: India and Bangladesh were declared joint champions of the SAFF U19 Women's Championship at the BSSSMK Stadium here on Thursday after the two remained locked after 90 minutes of regulation time and eleven penalty kicks.

India led for the majority of the contest, riding on Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam's early goal before Sagorika equalised for the hosts in injury time to take it into penalties. After an extraordinary shoot-out which remained locked at 11-11 as every single player on the pitch converted their penalties, the referee performed a coin toss to determine the winners.

India won the coin toss, but the decision was later revoked. After more than two hours of waiting, the trophy was shared. The All-India Football Federation (AIFF) Acting Secretary General M. Satyanarayan said India accepted the decision because they were worried for the safety of the players as a section of the crowd was creating disturbances.