Nepal concedes 1-2 defeat against Bangladesh in SAFF U-19 semifinal

KATHMANDU: Nepal crashed out of the 2025 SAFF U-19 Men’s Championship after suffering a 1-2 defeat against Bangladesh in the first semifinal held in Yupia in India’s Arunanchal Pradesh on Friday.

The match remained goalless for over 70 minutes, with both teams evenly matched for much of the game. Bangladesh broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute when Ashiqur Rahman headed in a corner from captain Nazmul Huda Faysal at the near post.

Bangladesh doubled its lead in the 81st minute. A defensive error by Nepal inside the box allowed Mohammad Manik to deliver a precise pass to captain Faysal, who calmly slotted the ball past the advancing Nepali goalkeeper.

Nepal pulled one back in the 87th minute through Sujan Dangol who fired a powerful shot into the Bangladeshi net after connecting with a well-crafted pass from Ranjit Lama. However, the late goal proved to be no more than a consolation.

India will face the Maldives in the second semifinal later on Friday evening.