Itanagar: Bangladesh will clash with hosts India in the final of SAFF U-19 Championship at Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia in Arunachal Pradesh on Sunday (May 18).
Bangladesh stormed into the final of the tournament beating Nepal by 2-1 goals in the first semi final match held at Golden Jubilee Outdoor Stadium on Friday.
After a goalless first half, Bangladesh fought back strongly and scored back-to-back goals in a span of seven minutes. Ashiqur Rahman got the lead for Bangladesh in the 74th minute as he dispatched the ball to the net with a brilliant header on a corner from Nazmul Huda at left flank.
Captain Nazmul Huda Faisal doubled the lead for Bangladesh in the 81st minute.
The match got intense as Sujan Dungol reduced the margin for Nepal in the 87th minute but Bangladesh did not allow Nepal another goal.
Bangladesh coach Golam Rabbani Choton expressed his satisfaction after his team secured a 2-1 win, stating, “We had planned after watching the Nepal-India match, and the boys were able to execute that plan on the field.”
In the other semi-final, India, the most successful nation with three titles, stormed into the final with a commanding 3-0 victory against Maldives in Yupia.
Goals from Danny Meitei Laishram, Omang Dodum, and Prashan Jajo ensured a comfortable victory for the hosts.
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“India is undoubtedly a strong opponent in SAFF football. There was a high probability of India reaching the final, and we want to face them. I hope the people of Arunachal will enjoy a high-quality and competitive final between Bangladesh and India,” Choton added.
