India Clinches Seventh SAFF U-17 Championship Title with Heroic Goalkeeping

A Memorable Evening in Colombo

Guwahati, Sept 29: On a dramatic Saturday night in Colombo, as the SAFF Under-17 Championship final approached a penalty shootout, all eyes were on a tall teenager from Duliajan. When the crucial moment came, goalkeeper Manashjyoti Baruah stood firm.

The 16-year-old made a crucial dive to his left, successfully blocking a penalty from Bangladesh’s Azam Khan, a pivotal save that shifted the momentum in favor of India, ultimately leading to their seventh SAFF U-17 title. For Manash, it was an unforgettable experience.

“It feels amazing to save a penalty and help my team win the final. I’m overjoyed,” he expressed after returning to India on Sunday.

India faced a tough challenge from Bangladesh, with the match ending in a 2-2 draw after regulation time. However, during the shootout, the Blue Colts displayed remarkable composure. Dallalmuon Gangte, Korou Meitei Konthoujam, and Indra Rana Magar all scored confidently, while Shubham Poonia netted the decisive fourth goal. Bangladesh struggled under pressure, with Ikramul Islam hitting the crossbar and Manash making his crucial save, despite Manik managing to score once.

“The responsibility of a goalkeeper during a penalty shootout is immense. We had trained for this with our coach, and I was prepared. It’s fulfilling to contribute to the team’s success,” Manash remarked.

His confidence has surged following this performance. “This boosts my confidence for future challenges. With our support staff, we are mentally ready for tougher competitions,” he added.

For Assam, it was a moment of double joy. Alongside Manash, Sivasagar’s Rahan Ahmed also made significant contributions, scoring two goals throughout the tournament and starting in the final. A trainee at the AIFF FIFA Talent Academy in Bhubaneswar, Rahan has earned a reputation as a diligent forward.

The two young players carried an emotional promise to Colombo, dedicating their victory to their beloved idol, singer Zubeen Garg, who passed away on September 19. “I dedicate this victory to Zubeen Garg,” Manash said, his voice filled with emotion.

However, the celebrations will be short-lived. The U-17 team will now focus on the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers scheduled for November in Ahmedabad. Before that, they will travel to China for a series of friendly matches, presenting another challenge in their journey.

For Manash, who joined the Reliance Foundation setup in 2022, his aspirations are growing. Now the first-choice goalkeeper for his age group in India, he admires Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea for his leadership, communication, and shot-stopping abilities.

Manash was first discovered by Gumpe Rime during an Advance Football Coaching Camp held in Duliajan under the auspices of Oil India Limited in 2021.

From Duliajan to Colombo, the boy who once idolized goalkeepers is now crafting his own narrative.