(image source: inside.nike.com)
The defending champions Maldives failed to repeat their performance last year thanks to India’s goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharya. Bhattacharya put up some excellent saves in the penalty shoot-out to hand India its fifth South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Cup title in Dhaka on Sunday in front of a packed Bangabandhu Stadium. Maldives were heavily favored in this match as they beat India 2-0 in the group stage. But this time was a different story as India’s defense was the winning factor. It was a well fought and well earned victory for the India under-23 team.
