Claimed their first-ever SAFF U-20 Championship title with a 4-1 victory over hosts Nepal in the final at the ANFA Complex in Nepal on Wednesday.
In addition to Mirajul Islam's goals in both halves, Rabby Hossen Rahul and Piash Ahmed Nova each netted in the second half to secure Bangladesh's commanding win on Nepalese soil.
Nepal's lone goal came from Samir Tamang.
As the first half concluded, Bangladesh took the lead in stoppage time after a foul on Mirajul Islam by a Nepalese defender resulted in a free kick. Mirajul confidently converted the opportunity with a powerful shot from outside the box.
With a 1-0 advantage, Bangladesh entered the second half more organized and quickly added three more goals.
Mirajul, who finished as the tournament's top scorer with four goals, doubled the lead in the 54th minute with a brilliant header following a cross from the left wing.
Nepal struggled to regain their rhythm after conceding the second goal. Bangladesh continued to dominate, with Rabby adding a third goal in the 69th minute.
Despite creating more chances than Bangladesh, Nepal managed to score only once in the 80th minute, when Samir Tamang capitalized on a defensive error to head the ball into the net.
Nova sealed Bangladesh's comprehensive victory with a goal in the 95th minute.
Earlier in the tournament, Bangladesh had lost 2-1 to Nepal during the group stage.
A packed local crowd fervently supported Nepal, the two-time champions, throughout the match. Despite dominating possession and creating opportunities in the first half, the hosts failed to capitalize due to poor finishing.
0 Comments