Bangladesh almost secured a place in the final of the Saff U-20 Women's Championship 2023 despite being held to a goalless draw against favorites India in their second match at Birshrestha Shaheed Sepahi Mustafa Kamal Stadium in Dhaka Sunday.
The home side now need only a draw against Bhutan in their last opening-round fixture Tuesday to book a final berth.
Struggling Bhutan have lost first two matches to sit at the bottom of the four-team table, including a 4-0 loss at the hands of Nepal in the day's first match.
Bangladesh defeated Nepal 3-1 in their tournament opener and with the latest draw, they have earned four points to remain jointly at the top with India.
It was India who scripted the first clear-cut chance in the seventh minute, but Rupna Chakma made a brilliant save with stretched left leg to deny Sumati Kumari's shot.
The Bangladesh goalkeeper produced another save just before the quarter-hour mark to block a glancing header on a corner.
The hosts had their first shot on target in the 26th minute when midfielder Sopna Rani's left-footer from outside the box went to the keeper.
The visitors hit the back of the net at the half-hour mark but the referee blew the whistle for offside.
Defender Surma Jannat saw her volley from a Sopna corner fly over the bar two minutes later.
Substitute forward Neha squandered a good chance by firing over the bar following a low cross of Sunita Munda after the hour mark.
Bangladesh captain Shamsunnahar Jr also had a glorious opportunity two minutes later when she was one-on-one with the Indian keeper, who used her leg to divert the shot.
Shamsunnahar Jr fired another effort from inside the box over the crossbar following Sopna's corner in the 79th minute.