Hosts Bangladesh emerged Group A champions with all-win record to reach the semifinal of the six-nation SAFF U-16 Championship beating holders India by 2-1 goals in the last group match at the Sylhet
Stadium here on Thursday, UNB reports.
Mohammad Shawon and Mohammad Atikuzzaman Atiq scored for Bangladesh, one in each half, while Rahim Ali netted the lone goal for defending champions India in the 2nd half.
In the semifinals on Sunday (Aug 16), Bangladesh will play Group B runners-up, either Nepal or Afghanistan, at 3pm while India will face Group B champions (Nepal/Afghanistan) at 6pm at the same venue.
Meanwhile, Finance Minister AMA Muhith announced to give Tk 5 lakh for Bangladeshi players as bonus for winning the match against India.
In the day’s match, Mohammad Shawon put Bangladesh ahead in the 31st minute by a well-judged shot, utilising a right wing cross from Mustafiz Khan amid huge cheers from houseful soccer fans at the big bowl (1-0).
Rahim Ali restored the parity for India in the 48th minute beating advancing Bangladesh custodian Faisal Ahmed, following a lapse by Bangladeshi defender to the frustration of home crowd (1-1).
Mohammad Atiquzzaman Atiq scored the match-winning goal for the home side in the 84th minute from a penalty (2-1).
Besides, Sarwar Zaman Nipu spoiled three more close chances while Fahim Morshed another one.
Bangladesh got the spot kick when Indian defender Aymol brought down onrushing Bangladeshi forward Sarwar Zaman Nipu in the danger zone and Nepalese referee Nabindra Maharjan pointed his finger for a penalty.
After the match, Bangladesh coach Syed Golam Zilani appreciated Bangladeshi players for playing good football giving their best against India and thanked local fans for giving their allout support.
“I am very happy to fulfill our 2nd dream, we won the match through proper utilisation of the chances that came our way. I am happy with the result,” he added.
Bangladesh captain Shawon said, “Our next target is to be the champions. We don’t bother who are our opponents.”
Indian coach Bithan Singh said, “Today was not ours. Bangladesh won the match playing a good football. We congratulate the Bangladesh team.”
“Every match is of equal important for us as we consider all the matches as final and will play the semifinal with this mentality,“ he added.
Earlier, Bangladesh confirmed the semifinal berth from Group A with one match to spare eliminating all-losers Sri Lanka by 4-0 goals in their first match on Tuesday. India also assured the semifinal berth from the same group beating Sri Lanka by 5-0 goals in the tournament opener last Sunday.
Nepal will battle against Afghanistan tomorrow (Friday) at 5 pm at the same venue to decide the Group B champions.
Bangladesh team: Faisal Ahmed, Shawon Hossain, Fahim Morshed, Sarwar Zaman Nipu, Mohammad Shawon, Saaduddin, Mohammad Atikuzzaman, Jahangir Alam sajib, Khalil Bhuiyan, Mustafiz Khan and Emon Khan.
Group A Standings
Teams M W D L GF GA Pts
Bangladesh 2 2 0 0 6 1 6
India 2 1 0 1 6 2 3
Sri Lanka 2 0 0 2 0 9 0
No comments:
Post a Comment