Home team Nepal has entered the semi-finals as Group A topper by defeating Bangladesh 2-1 in the last group stage match of SAFF U-20 Championship on Thursday
Home team Nepal took a lead 2-1 against Bangladesh in the first half of the SAFF U-20 Championship held at ANFA Complex in Satdobato, Lalitpur.
In the 15th minute of the first half, Nirajan Dhami's goal gave Nepal an early lead. Soon after, Nepal doubled the lead with Samir Tamang's goal.
In the injury time of the first half, Bangladesh scored 1 goal with Islam's goal making it 2-1 in the match.
Despite efforts and opportunities it received, Bangladesh could not equalize the score in the second half. Bangladeshi player was given a yellow card for making a foul against Nepali player when he was advancing the ball toward Bangladeshi’s goal post.
Now, Nepal, as the group topper, will play the runner-up of Group B in the semi-final match. Similarly, Bangladesh will take on the winner of Group B.
Sri Lanka who faced two consecutive defeats has crashed out of the Championship.
Nepal had defeated Sri Lank 1-0 in its first match. With two wins in the group stage match, home team Nepal has collected six points while Bangladesh earned three points from one win.
As for Group B, India, Maldives and Bhutan have equal chances to advance into the semi-finals. India and Bhutan have won one match each. India and Maldives are locking horns in the last group stage match on Friday. If India wins Maldives tomorrow, Bhutan will enter the semifinals.
