Today, the final of the SAFF U-20 tournament will be held in Kathmandu, with Bangladesh facing the hosts Nepal. Unfortunately, Bangladesh has encountered a setback just before the final.
It will be the four consecutive final for the Bangaldesh Under-20 in the competition and in previous three time they could not cross Indian hurdle and this time they eliminated India in the semifinal.
This time the boys in Red and Green will certainly will leave no stone unturned to win the make it success to win the final, though it will be a tough challenge for Bangladesh when suffered a 2-0 defeat to the hosts in their group stage match.
Bangladesh, boys are morally high after defeating the might India, the defending champions but Nepal however are also boosted up with 4-1 win over Bhutan in the semifinal in a shootout following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Nepal’s big advantage is, they will play at their home ground and will have full support of crowds.
However, Mehedi Hasan Shrabon, the primary goalkeeper for Bangladesh's U-20 team, sustained a significant injury during the second half of the semi-final against India yesterday. The severity of the injury means Shrabon will have to return home instead of participating in the final.
Khandaker Rakibul Islam, the manager of the U-20 team and a former national footballer as well as a member of the BFF Development Committee, provided an update on Shrabon's condition from Kathmandu. He explained that Shrabon has suffered a considerable injury below his eye, and local doctors have advised surgery.
The decision has been made to carry out the surgery back home. Shrabon spent last night in the hospital and is currently at the airport. If a ticket is available, he will be sent home today; otherwise, it will be tomorrow.
He is currently stable.
Mehedi Hasan Shrabon, who also plays for Bashundhara Kings, has experience with the senior team. Being under 20, he is eligible to play for the U-20 team.
Following Shrabon's injury, Asif stepped in as a substitute and became the hero of the match by saving two shots in the tiebreaker, securing Bangladesh's victory. Bangladesh will now place their trust in him for the final.
