DeskReport
Bangladesh became the first team to reach the semi-finals of the SAFF Under-19 Championship by winning against Bhutan. However, it was confirmed today that Bangladesh will play in the last four as group champions. Golam Rabbani Chhota’s team will play against Nepal in the semi-finals on May 16.
However, Maldives had a chance to surpass Bangladesh. However, they drew 2-2 against Bhutan. However, this confirmed their ticket to the semi-finals as group runners-up.
Maldives needed a 4-0 win to become the group champion. On the other hand, Bhutan had no alternative to win to reach the last four. Bhutan took the lead early at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Arunachal Pradesh. Tenzin scored for them in the 44th minute.
Maldives tried to turn things around after the break. They equalized in the 75th minute with a goal from Mohamed Zayiz. Later, the team took the lead in the third minute of added time with a goal from Asham Ibrahim. But Bhutan equalized three minutes later. Bangladesh, who became the group champion, collected 4 points. Before defeating Bhutan, they drew against Maldives in their first match.
In the other group, India defeated Nepal 4-0 to become the champion. Nepal became the group runner-up with 3 points.
