BSS, Sylhet :
Bangladesh U-16 team emerged group A champions of the SAFF U-16 Championship when they beat defending champion India by 2-1 goals in the second and last group A match held on Thursday at the Sylhet District Stadium.
The host will play the first semifinal against group B runners-up Afghanistan or Nepal schedule to be held on Sunday at the same venue.
In the day’s match, Bangladesh took the deserving lead in the 31st minute. Taking a through pass from midfielder Mostajeb Khan, Bangladesh skipper Shawon Hossain send the ball home with a powerful shot from close range giving no chance to Indian custodian under the bar.
However, the lead lasted a little when Rahim Ali restored the parity for India in the 48thh minute of the match.
M Atikuzzaman sealed the victory for Bangladesh converting penalty in the 84th minute.
Earlier, on Tuesday, the boys of red and green stormed into the semifinals crushing Sri Lanka by 4-0 goals in their group A opening match held at the same venue. On the other hand, strong India also confirmed their last four berth crushing Sri Lanka 5-0 goals in their group opening match.
Today’s match: Afghanistan vs Maldives at 5 pm at the same venue.
