As expected Bangladesh U-20 national football team ensured their spot in the final of the SAFF U-20 Championship after playing out to a 1-1 goal draw with Nepal held today (Tuesday) at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, India.

The final will be held on Friday (August 5) at the same venue. After a barren first half, Pias Ahmed Nova finally broke the deadlock scoring the first goal for Bangladesh in the 63rd minute while Niranjan Malla restored the parity for Nepal in the 68th minute of the match.

Earlier, Bangladesh managed a hard-fought solitary goal victory over Sri Lanka, courtesy of Mirazul Islam's all-important goal in the 71st minute of the match, in their tournament opening match and defeated host India by 2-1 goals in their second match and overpowered the Maldives by 4-1 goals in their third match of the championship.

A total of five teams - defending champions India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and the Maldives - are taking part in the tournament which is being held in round robin league basis.

Bangladesh U-20 squad - Mohammad Emon, Mohammad Asif, Shanto Kumar Ray, Tanvir Hossain, Imran Khan, Ashikur Rahman, Samuel Raksam, Shahin Ahammad, Rajon Hawladar, Azizul Hoque Ananto, Sirajul Islam Rana, Sojol Tripura, Nazmul Huda Faysal, Akkas Ali, Mojibor Rahman Jony, Moinul Islam Moin, Shahidul Islam, Mohammad Nahian, Mursed Ali, Rafiqul Islam, Sajed Hasan Jummon, Piyash Ahmmed Nova and Miraj Islam.

BDST: 2037 HRS, Aug 02, 2022
MSK