Nazmul-Apu's magic duo: Finals secured after defeating Pakistan

Bangladesh defeated Pakistan 2-0 today in the SAFF U-17 football tournament held in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Bangladesh showed its initial influence in the match by taking a two-goal lead within four minutes.

The scoring started in the third minute of the match, when the Pakistan goalkeeper was returning the ball to his teammate defender, but the Bangladesh forward snatched it. Then, as the goalkeeper failed to control the ball, Bangladesh captain Nazmul Huda Faisal easily controlled the ball and scored.

In the case of the first goal, the responsibility was more on the Pakistani goalkeeper and defender. Just a minute later, Bangladesh's other forward Apu scored a brilliant goal. He went past the two Pakistani forwards from the right edge and entered the box with a powerful shot.

Although both teams attacked for the rest of the match, Bangladesh could not increase the goal difference and Pakistan could not return to the game. Pakistan secured a place in the semi-finals by winning their first two group matches, but lost 3-2 to India in the final match and finished runners-up. They failed to score a goal against Bangladesh today.

The semi-final between Nepal and India will be played at the same venue tonight. The winner of that match will face Bangladesh in the final on September 27.