June 13, 2025
June 13, 2025
SAFF U-19 CHAMPIONSHIP
YUPIA, May 19: India U-19 head coach Bibiano Fernandes dedicated the team’s SAFF U-19 Championship triumph to the passionate fans of Arunachal Pradesh, who turned up in large numbers to support the Blue Colts at the Golden Jubilee Stadium here on Sunday evening.
Moments after India defeated Bangladesh 4-3 in a tense penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in regulation time, Fernandes praised the 12000-strong crowd’s energy and declared the victory as a tribute to their unwavering support.
“I would like to dedicate this victory to the fans in Arunachal Pradesh. They were truly amazing,” said Fernandes at the post-match press conference. “I’ve never seen such a huge and enthusiastic turnout for a junior match in India. The boys loved playing in front of them, and their support gave us that extra push.”
The 48-year-old coach, who clinched his fourth junior SAFF title on Sunday, acknowledged the character shown by his players in what he described as a high-pressure final. “We knew it wouldn’t be easy. Bangladesh fought back well, but our boys stayed calm and showed great determination,” he said.
Speaking about the shootout, Fernandes said he was always confident in his team’s ability. “I knew our goalkeeper Suraj Singh Aheibam could rise to the occasion. He’s been excellent in training. The rest of the boys did what they had to—hold their nerves and score.”
Fernandes also expressed hope that India’s victory would inspire more youngsters from the Northeast to take up football.
“I’m sure this will motivate many to dream of playing for the national team. We’ll see more talents like Omang (Dodum) emerge in the years to come,” he added.
India’s win marks their successful defence of the SAFF U19 title and further cements Fernandes’ legacy as one of the most successful youth coaches in South Asia.
