Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Nepal advanced to the semifinals of the 2024 SAFF U-20 Championship as group toppers with a 2-1 victory over Bangladesh at the ANFA Complex on Thursday.
All three goals were scored in the first half. Samir Tamang and Nirajan Dhami put Nepal 2-0 up within 18 minutes. Mirajul Islam scored for Bangladesh from the penalty spot in the 43rd minute but it proved insufficient for the visiting side.
Despite the defeat, Bangladesh also advanced to the semifinals as the group runners-up. Both Nepal and Bangladesh had defeated Sri Lanka in their opening matches.
Nepal took the lead in the 17th minute when Samir Tamang, who had sprinted to the opposite end of the field after Nepal had cleared a corner, stole the ball from Bangladesh keeper Mehedi Hasan Sarbon, who was playing higher up the field, and scored into an open net. Two minutes later, Nirajan Dhami beautifully tapped in Abinash Syangtan’s cross from the right side to double Nepal’s lead.
Bangladesh was awarded a penalty in the 43rd minute after two Nepali defenders brought down a Bangladeshi forward. Islam converted from the spot.
Both sides had chances to score in the second half but failed to capitalize.
Nepal will now face the second-placed team from Group ‘B’. Both India and Bhutan have three points each in Group ‘B’. The match between India and the Maldives will determine the semifinalists from Group ‘B’. Bhutan and India have three points each, while Maldives are pointless. India takes on Maldives in the final group stage match on Friday.
