Bangladesh thrash Sri Lanka by 2-0 to reach semifinal

Bangladesh U-20 national football team moved to semifinal of the ongoing SAFF U-20 Championship beating Sri Lanka by 2-0 goals in their opening group A match held on Tuesday at ANFA Complex in Nepal.

Mirajul Islam gave Bangladesh a deserving lead early in the 17th minute and Bangladesh went to the break back with a solitary goal lead at the breather.

Md Piyash Ahmed Nova sealed the victory scoring the second goal for Bangladesh in the 85th minute of the match.

Sri Lanka however were desperate to stage a fight back but they failed to convert any in the remaining proceeding.

Bangladesh, the three times runners-up in 2017, 2019 and 2022 edition of the championship, will meet host Nepal in their ultimate group match on August 22 to decide the group champions.

Sri Lanka earlier lost to host Nepal in their group opening match. So the equation for Bangladesh was easier and they just had to beat Sri Lanka.

With the day's defeat, Sri Lanka, who lost two matches in a row, exit from the championship race.

Nepal also confirmed their spot of last four with their first group match victory over Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh U-20 team - Mehedi Hasan Srabon, Asif, Ismail Hossain Mahin, Imran Khan, Mohammad Azizul Hoque, Ananto, Shakil Ahad Topu, Rajib Hossain, Rostom Islam Dukhu Mia, Parvej Ahmed, Kamacai Marma Aky, Asadul Islam Sakib, Chandon Roy, Ashraful Haque Asif, Mohsin Ahmed, Iftiar Hossain, Rabby Hossen Rahul, Razu Ahmed Zisan, Hossain Mohammad Arian, Asadul Molla, Iftasam Rahman Jidan, Mirajul Islam, Piash Ahmmed Nova and Moinul Islam Moin.