Bangladesh defeats Nepal to reach SAFF final

Bangladesh has defeated Nepal to reach the SAFF Under-19 Championship final. Bangladesh's youth team defeated Nepal 2-1 in the semi-final held at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Upia, Arunachal Pradesh, India. Captain Nazmul Huda and Ashikur Rahman scored one goal each for the team. Sujan Dangol scored the only goal for Nepal.

In the first half of the match, both teams fought at an even pace. Bangladesh goalkeeper Ismail Hossain brilliantly saved a Nepal chance in the 17th minute. Rifat Kazi had a chance in the counterattack in the 22nd minute but failed to score. Nepal's goalkeeper also saved Morshed Ali's free-kick in the 33rd minute and Nazmul's long shot in the 36th minute.

After the break, a Nepal defender saved Mithu Chowdhury's corner from under the post in the 56th minute. After that, despite several attacks, the goal was not coming. Finally, Bangladesh took the lead in the 73rd minute through Ashiqur Rahman's header from a corner. In the 81st minute, Nazmul doubled the lead from Mohammad Manik's intelligent pass. In the 87th minute, Sujan Dangol scored a goal to reduce the gap, but Bangladesh held on to win.

Bangladesh reached the semi-finals after drawing with Maldives and defeating Bhutan 3-0 in the group stage. Bangladesh will face India or Maldives in the final next Sunday.