Bangladesh U-20 National football team clinched
SAFF U-20 Championship title for the very first time, thrashing hosts
Nepal by 4-1 in final at ANFA Complex in Kathmandu on Wednesday.
Bangladesh
dominated the match with an impressive performance that secured their
place as champions. They took lead in the first half's added time with a
goal from Mirajul Islam. Later, during the second half, goals from
Mirajul and Rabbi Hossain Rahul extended Bangladesh's lead to 3-0 by
70th minute.
However, Nepal managed to pull one back in 80th
minute, but Bangladesh sealed the victory with a fourth goal during
additional time.
The match's opening half ended with the referee
awarding 2 minutes of added time, during which Bangladesh broke the
deadlock. Mirajul Islam was fouled outside the box, leading to a
free-kick.
Mirajul's superbly curved shot left the Nepali goalkeeper
helpless as the ball struck the side post and landed in the net,
silencing the home crowd.
Nepal dominated the
first half in terms of possession and attacks, creating several scoring
opportunities but failing to convert them. Bangladesh, though less
dominant, utilized counter-attacks effectively, though they did not
create clear chances initially.
Bangladesh doubled their lead
just 7 minutes into the second half. A cross from the left flank was met
by an unmarked Mirajul in the box, who headed the ball into the net.
Nepal, now trailing by two goals, struggled to regain their rhythm as
Bangladesh continued to assert control over the match.
In
70th minute, Bangladesh further extended their lead to 3-0 with a goal
from Rabbi Hossain Rahul. Mirajul, the match's standout player, provided
the assist with a precise pass that Rahul finished with a neat shot
across the goal.
Despite Nepal's numerous attempts, they only
managed to score in 80th minute when a loose ball in the Bangladesh box
was headed in by a Nepali forward after a defensive error.
The
closing minutes of the match were tense, with Nepal pushing hard to
close the gap and game becoming increasingly heated. The referee added
10 minutes of additional time, during which Bangladesh scored their
fourth goal, securing a comprehensive 4-1 victory and the championship
title.