BSS, Dhaka :Bangladesh emerged group A champions as they played out to a goalless draw with Nepal in their last group A engagement of the Bangabandhu Gold Cup International Football tournament held on Friday at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.With the day’s outcome, both Bangladesh and Nepal secured five points each after completing their group phase matches, but Bangladesh emerged group champions by virtue of better goal difference. Nepal finished runners up behind them and both the teams moved to the last four berth.The first and second semifinals are slated on January 18 and 19 respectively.The boys in red and green went attacks in the 14th minute with Jamal Bhuiyan curving a cross to forward Shakhawat Hossain Rony whose left- footer drive was brilliantly fisted away by Nepali custodian Bikesh Khutu.The Himalaya Kingdom however launched series of counter attacks and in the 27th minute earned a free kick at the top of the box, Aditya Chowdhury, the Nepalese defender curled the ball straight to the hands of Bangladesh custodian Ashraful Islam Rana.Bangladesh midfielder Hemanta Vincent produced a good pace in the right flank in the 58th minute, his neat through however was foiled by Nepalese custodian e Bikash Kuthu with forward Rony felling short by a yard.The boys in red and green looked a little tired in the late minutes while Nepal took the initiative however lack of proper finishing saw them searching for the goal.
