Bangladesh defeats Nepal 4-1, lifts maiden SAFF U-20 title

KATHMANDU: Bangladesh lifted its first-ever SAFF U-20 Championship title, defeating two-time champions Nepal 4-1 in front of the home crowd at the ANFA Complex in Lalitpur on Wednesday.

Mirajul Islam scored two, while Rabby Hossen Rahul and Piyash Ahmed Nova each contributed one goal for the winning side, while Samir Tamang scored a consolation goal for Nepal.

Nepal squandered a golden opportunity to take an early lead. In the 21st minute, Abinash Syangtan failed to capitalize on Nirajan Dhami’s precise pass as he shot wide in the empty post.

Bangladesh broke the deadlock in the first-half injury time when Mirajul Islam’s beautiful free-kick sailed past Nepali goalkeeper Jiarath Sheikh.

The visiting side tightened its lead as Islam got his and his side’s second goal in the 56th minute, connecting with a header from Asadul Molla.

Islam set up an easy chance for Rahul in the 71st minute after dancing through opposition defenders in Nepal’s penalty area.

Nepal scored in the 80th minute when Samir Tamang’s header squeezed past Bangladeshi keeper Md Ismail Hossain.

Piyash Nova added Bangladesh’s fourth goal in the injury time of the second half to seal the victory.

Bangladesh had beaten defending champions India in the tie-breaker in the semifinal, while Nepal progressed to the final at the expense of Bhutan.