Bangladesh beat Nepal to reach SAFF U-20 Championship final

Bangladesh U-20 football team advanced to the final of the SAFF U-20 Championship after defeating Nepal 1-0 in the first semi-final.

The match was held at the National Stadium in the Maldives on Wednesday, April 1.

Bangladesh will face the winners of the second semi-final between India U-20 and Bhutan U-20 in the final.

The defending champions entered the tournament with the aim of retaining the title. They won the championship for the first time in 2024, beating Nepal 4-1 in the final.

The only goal of the match came in the 11th minute. Manik headed in a brilliant cross from Murshed Ali from a corner. Bangladesh created several more clear chances but failed to convert them. One goal was also ruled offside.

US-based brothers Declan Sullivan and Ronan Sullivan were the added attraction in Bangladesh's campaign. Playing for Bangladesh for the first time, Ronan has already scored two goals in a single match.

In the group stage, Bangladesh defeated Pakistan U-20 2-0 in their first match and drew 1-1 with India U-20. With four points, they finished as group runners-up to reach the semi-finals.

The final will be held on April 3.