Bangladesh reached the semi-finals of SAFF U-20 Championship after winning one match. Bangladesh defeated Sri Lanka 2-0 in the match held at Anfa Complex in Kathmandu, Nepal on Tuesday. Maruful Haque’s team was leading by 1-0 in the first half.
Nepal defeated Sri Lanka in the first match of ‘A’ group. So the equation for Bangladesh was semi-final if they beat Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka lost two matches in a row after winning Bangladesh. It also confirmed Nepal’s semi-final.
Bangladesh has never won the title in SAFF U-20 tournament. Has been runner-up three times. Reached the final three times, once losing to Nepal and twice to India.
This time Bangladesh is participating with the aim of winning the title under the leadership of the country’s experienced coach Maruful Haque. In the first match, Bangladesh won easily by playing with exclusive dominance. But this victory can be bigger. Bangladesh squandered several easy chances.
Bangladesh started the mission with a win with the goals of Mirazul Islam and Piyas Ahmed Nova. In the 18th minute, Rabbi Hossain Rahul got the ball and entered from the left side. Lankan defender Ansar Muhammad could not even try to stop him. Rahul left-footed a cross into the goal. Mirazul Islam gave the team the lead by stepping on the moving ball.
The gap could have been doubled in 29 minutes. Rabbi Hussain Rahul’s free kick from the left led to the chance. Rustam Dukhu Mia also took a shot from a few yards in front of the post. But could not keep the target, went outside.
Mirazul Islam wasted the easiest chance in the last minute of injury time. Catching the ball flying from their own boundary, Sri Lanka entered the box and found the goalkeeper alone but could not score, the ball hit the goalkeeper.
After getting out of the corner of the first half, Sri Lanka started to play well in the second half. Also created several scoring opportunities. Sri Lanka had a chance to equalize in the 58th minute. Shean Mohammad Shahil took a great shot from outside the box. However, Bangladesh goalkeeper Mehdi Hasan saved Bangladesh by saving Shravan.
Bangladesh doubled the lead some time before the end of the match. The red-green jersey holders left the field with a 2-0 victory in Pius Nova’s goal.
Bangladesh will play the second match against Nepal on Thursday. If this match is drawn, Bangladesh will be the group champion.
