Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh – A wave of jubilation swept across the Golden Jubilee Stadium as India’s U19 men’s football team clinched the SAFF U19 Championship title, overcoming Bangladesh in a nail-biting 5-4 penalty shootout after regulation play ended in a 1-1 stalemate. For head coach Bibiano Fernandes, this hard-fought victory, the culmination of two months of intense preparation, carried a singular and profound dedication: to the passionate football fans of Arunachal Pradesh.
“I would like to dedicate this victory to the fans in Arunachal Pradesh; they were truly amazing,” declared Fernandes, his voice resonating with gratitude. “They pushed us and supported us all the way. They made us play the way we did.” The sentiment was echoed by the team, who felt an undeniable connection to the electrifying atmosphere cultivated by the local supporters.
The sheer volume and intensity of the crowd in Itanagar left an indelible impression on the coaching staff. Fernandes, a seasoned observer of Indian football, marvelled at the unprecedented turnout for a junior-level fixture. “I’ve never seen so many fans turn up for a junior game anywhere in India,” he remarked. “The boys enjoyed playing in front of them.” This unique home-ground advantage, he suggested, was a significant factor in the team’s unwavering performance.
India’s composure during the high-stakes penalty shootout was a testament to both meticulous preparation and an unshakeable belief in their abilities. Goalkeeper Suraj Singh Aheibam emerged as a hero, delivering a crucial save that Fernandes had anticipated. “I knew our goalkeeper Suraj is good at saving penalties. He’s been amazing during training. We knew he would make us proud,” the coach stated, highlighting the team’s confidence in their shot-stopper.
Despite an early lead, Bangladesh demonstrated remarkable resilience, fighting back to equalise and push the match into the tense shootout. Fernandes acknowledged the challenge posed by their opponents, stating, “We knew it would not be an easy final by any stretch. Bangladesh showed their mettle.” However, he lauded his squad’s mental fortitude, adding, “But our boys exhibited tremendous character to keep fighting.”
As the team now turns its attention to the upcoming AFC U20 Asian Cup Qualifiers, Fernandes underscored the vital role of grassroots support in fostering future talent. “I’m sure this will motivate more youngsters to dream of playing for the national team one day, and we will have more players like Omang (Dodum) come through,” he mused, envisioning a future where this victory inspires a new generation of footballers from the region.
For Fernandes, the ambitions extend far beyond a regional championship. “India has ample talent. If we do good development, we will one day see India qualify for the World Cup. That remains the dream, as always,” he concluded, reaffirming the enduring vision of elevating Indian football onto the global stage.
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