Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Bangladesh secured a spot in the final of the 2024 SAFF U-20 Championship by defeating defending champions India 4-3 in a penalty shootout in the second semifinal at the ANFA Complex in Lalitpur on Monday.
The match went to penalties after the two sides drew 1-1 in regulation time.
Bangladesh’s second-choice goalkeeper M Asif saved two of India’s penalties to lead his team to the final. Asif replaced regular keeper Mehdi Hasan, who was injured in the 73rd minute after a clash with an Indian forward.
Piash Ahmmed Nova, Moinul Islam, Shakil Ahad Topu, and Ashraful Haque Asif scored for Bangladesh in the shootout. Pramvir, Gwgmsar Goyary, and Manjot Singh Dhami converted their penalties for India, but Asif saved attempts from Kelvin Singh and Akash Tirke.
Bangladesh took the lead in the 37th minute of the first half when Asadul Molla capitalized on a rebound after Indian keeper Priyansh Dubey parried a shot from Rabby Hossen Rahul.
India equalized in the 75th minute with a beautiful goal by Ricky Meetei Haobam following a beautiful cross by Naoba Meitei Pangambam. Bangladesh played with 10 men during injury time after Kamacai Marma Aky received a second yellow card.
Nepal advanced to the final by defeating Bhutan 4-1 in a penalty shootout in the first semifinal.
The final will be played on Wednesday.
