Bangladesh storm into SAFF U-19 Championship final

Dhaka, 16 May- Defending champions Bangladesh stormed into the final of SAFF U-19 Championship beating Nepal by 2-1 goals in the exciting first semifinal match held Yupia-based Golden Jubilee Outdoor Stadium in Arunachal Pradesh, India Friday.

Bangladesh will now play the final match against the second semi-final winners either India or Maldives. The final will be held on May 18 at the same venue. 

After the barren first half, Bangladesh fought back strongly and scored two goals in span of seven minutes. Ashiqur Rahman finally broke the deadlock for scoring the first goal for Bangladesh in the 74th minute as he sent the ball to the net with a brilliant header capitalizing on a corner from Nazmul Huda at left flank.

Captain Nazmul Huda Faisal doubled the lead for Bangladesh in the 81st minute. Substitute Manik, after dodging past a Nepalese defender, provided a pass to unmark Faisal who made no mistake to tap the ball to the net with a perfect finishing. 

The match saw a tense finish as Sujan Dungol reduced the margin for Nepal in the 87th minute but Bangladesh did not allow Nepal further slip-up.  

Earlier, the Bengal Tigers played out to a 2-2 with Maldives in their opening group match but they blanked Bhutan 3-0 in the second match to emerge as group A champions.BSS