Bangladesh edge past Nepal, set for SAFF U-20 title defense

Bangladesh continued their dominant run in the SAFF U-20 Men’s Championship, edging past Nepal 1-0 in a hard-fought semi-final to book a spot in the final. 

Md Manik’s early header proved decisive, helping the reigning champions maintain their unbeaten record and move one step closer to defending their title. 

Bangladesh came into the semi-final on the back of an impressive group-stage performance and immediately asserted control, dominating possession and setting the pace from the start. 

Their persistence paid off in the 11th minute when Morshed Ali delivered a precise chipped ball from outside the box, allowing Manik to rise and power a superb header into the net.

Bangladesh nearly doubled their lead a minute later when Yusuf Ali initiated a swift counter-attack and set up Ronan Sullivan inside the box. Sullivan found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

The first half ended with Bangladesh in control, particularly in midfield, where Nazmul Huda Faisal and Morshed orchestrated play effectively, leaving Nepal struggling to respond.

After the break, Bangladesh continued to press but could not add a second goal. Nepal showed more urgency in the closing stages, but Bangladesh’s defence remained resolute under pressure. 

A notable debut came in the 87th minute when USA-born right-back Declan Sullivan entered the match, adding pace and attacking options down the flank, linking well with Ronan to trouble Nepal’s defence.

The victory sets up Bangladesh, the reigning champions, for a chance to defend their title. 

In the 2024 edition, they had lifted the trophy after a commanding 4�"1 win over Nepal in the final. 

Once again, they overcame Nepal, this time in the semi-final, moving a step closer to back-to-back SAFF U-20 triumphs.

SH