Bangladesh’s Under-20 footballers secured a 1-0 victory over Sri Lanka in their Group A match of the SAFF Championship at the ANFA Complex in Nepal on Tuesday. Striker Mirazul Islam Miraz netted the winning goal in the 18th minute.
In their opening match of the Under-20 SAFF Championship in Nepal on Tuesday, Bangladesh took the lead against Sri Lanka in the 18th minute. The goal was a result of a well-coordinated play. Rabbi Hossain, displaying excellent vision and timing, delivered a precise cross into the penalty area. The Sri Lankan defence was caught off guard as the ball sailed past them. Positioned perfectly, Mirajul timed his run impeccably, meeting the cross with a composed finish to slot the ball into the back of the net, giving Bangladesh an early advantage.
This goal was enough to take them through to the last four of the
tournament.
Bangladesh are yet to lift the trophy in this competition, having finished runners-up on three occasions in the last five editions. However, they were eliminated in the group stage in the previous tournament after defeats to India and Bhutan.
With Sri Lanka suffering a 1-0 loss to hosts Nepal in their opening match, Bangladesh’s win ensured their place in the semi-finals, where they will face Nepal on Thursday.
The team, led by Coach Maruful Haque, are confident of overcoming Sri Lanka, a team they have defeated twice in the 2019 and 2022 editions of the competition.
