Having failed to defend their title, India salvaged some pride by defeating arch-rivals Pakistan with a dramatic golden goal to clinch the third place in the South Asian Football Federation tournament in Dhaka on Monday.
Striker Abhishek Yadav scored the golden goal early in extra-time as the Indians avenged last week's defeat at the hands of their bitter rivals with a 2-1 victory, in a fast-paced and surcharged encounter at the Bangabandhu National stadium.
Bangladesh won the title, beating Maldives 5-3 on penalties in the final which was played later.
The teams were locked 1-1 at the end of full-time and extra-time.
The depleted Indians, fighting for the third position after their quest for a hat-trick of titles was brought to an end by Bangaldesh in the semi-finals on Saturday, appeared more determined to make amends for their shock defeat in the inaugural match.
Veteran striker I M Vijayan, who was uimpressive right through the championship, put the defending champions in the lead in the 66th minute, heading in a cross from Alvito D'Cunha.
But the euphoria was shortlived as the Pakistanis restored parity within four minutes, with the hard-working Sarfaraz Rasool heading home a pass from Ayaz Mohammad.
It was Abhishek Yadav who came to the rescue of the Indians by producing a gem of a goal in the ninth minute of extra-time after both the teams were locked 1-1 at the end of regulation time.
The young Yadav showed fine reflexes as he brilliantly headed in a cross from Roberto Fernandes much to the delight of his teammates. The Pakistani custodian made a desperate attempt but could not stop the ball from finding the net.
Although the Indians enjoyed territorial advantage for most part of the contest, they were guilty of squandering a number of scoring opportunities that came their way.
The Indians, who had won the title in the last two editions of the tournament, had lost to hosts Bangladesh 1-2 in the semi-finals on Saturday. Pakistan lost to Maldives by a solitary goal in the other semi-final.
Aminul Islam is Bangladesh's hero
Bangladesh custodian Aminul Islam was the toast of the nation as he saved the second penalty kick by Maldives' Ashraf Luthfy as the hosts converted all their spot-kicks.
The penalties came after the two teams were locked 1-1 at the end of the regulation time and the 30 minute extra-time.
Bangladesh took an early lead much to the delight of the 45,000 strong crowd, when Rokonuzzaman Kanchan scored 12 minutes into the match.
But the footballers from the tiny island nation put in a spirited display and restored parity in the 57th minute with a brilliant counter-attack.
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