Bangladesh ensured the final of the SAFF U-17 Championship 2024 after beating Pakistan by 8(2)-7(2) goals in the second semifinal at the Changlimithang Stadium, Thimphu on Saturday.

The day’s nail-biting semifinal went to sudden death as both sides were locked at 5-5 goals in the tie-breaker and at 2-2 goals in the stipulated 90 minutes. 

Ashikur Rahman converted the last spot kick correctly for Bangladesh after his compatriot goalkeeper Nahidul Islam denied Pakistan’s Abdul Ghani in the sudden death to confirm the crucial victory. 

In the tiebreaker, Mursed Ali, Joy Ahamed, Kamal Merdha, Siam Omit, Md Manik, Akash Ahmed and Mithu Chowdhury scored for Bangladesh while Abdul Rahman, Abdul Samad, Syed Md Aabis Raza Kazmi, Khobaib Khan, Ubaid Ullah Khan, Majid Ali, Sharaf Khan scored for Pakistan. 

Earlier in the match, Pakistan, who became the four-team Group B toppers, put pressure on Bangladesh from the beginning of the first half.

Group B runners-up Bangladesh got the first blow while Shahab Ahmed took the lead (1-0) for Pakistan in the 32nd minute. Their misery continued when Abdul Rahman made it 2-0 in the 62nd minute.

But lucky Bangladesh, who qualified in the semis based on the goal difference in all group matches, returned to the game with two goals from Md Manik within a span of 20 minutes (74th and 94th minutes).

Bangladesh will take on India in the final on Monday at the same venue. 

India beat Nepal by 4-2 goals in the first semifinal on the same day at the same venue. 

Earlier, Bangladesh reached the semis as India beat Maldives by 3-0 goals in the last match of the three-team Group A on Tuesday. 

Both Bangladesh and Maldives had the same one point each as their match was tied at 1-1; even their goal difference and goals scored in the head-to-head match were also equal.

According to the bylaws, if the point, goal difference and goals scored are tied between two teams, then the ranks of the team will be decided based on the goal difference in all group matches. 

Bangladesh lost to India by 0-1 goal in their first group match. So, the equation was if India beat Maldives by 0-2 goals at least, Bangladesh would qualify for the knockout stage.

BDST: 0957 HRS, SEPT 29, 2024
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