Bangladesh thrashed hosts Nepal 4-1 in the final to secure their maiden title of the SAFF Under-20 Men’s Championship at ANFA Complex in Lalitpur, Kathmandu Wednesday.
Mirajul Islam stole the show with a brace and an assist for the third goal netted by Rabbi Hossain Rahul while Piash Ahmed Nova grabbed the other in time added on.
Mirajul opened the scoring right at the end of the first half with a fantastic free-kick that had both power and accuracy, giving the home goalkeeper no chance.
The young forward doubled the lead soon after the break as the visitors looked more organized and disciplined in the second half to keep the lead and extend it before the final whistle.
It was Nepal who had been dominating before the opening goal.
Mohammad Asif made a spectacular save in the ninth minute as the semi-final shootout hero tipped away Nirajan Dhami’s long-range effort directed towards the topmost line of the goalpost.
Nirajan went on to create two chances for his teammates.
He set up Samir Tamang with a defense-splitting lob but Bangladesh's defence blocked the attempt on the edge of the box.
From a cutback of Nirajan, Abhinash Syangtan then missed a good chance as he was unmarked with the ball inside the box but he shot wide in a hurried effort.
Bangladesh had a chance in the 23rd minute when full-back Rustom Mia headed over the woodwork following a corner.
Mirajul broke the deadlock with a lovely free-kick on the stroke of the first half that fired into the top right corner.
He also earned the set piece just around 20 yards out.
It was Mirajul’s third goal in the competition.
He became the joint top scorer of the tournament along with Nirajan.
He had scored one against Sri Lanka during the 2-0 win and added another against Nepal after coming on as a substitute.
He needed just a touch from almost the goal-line to get the second goal of the final and take a solo lead in the top scorers' list with four goals.
He ensured Asadul Molla’s header from Asadul Islam’s long cross hit the back of the net with a header.
Rabbi made it 3-0 in the 71st minute with a shot into the far left of the goalkeeper.
Mirajul provided the assist with a short pass inside the box.
The hosts scored a consolation goal through Samir’s header in the 81st minute.
Piash sealed the victory six minutes into the 10-minute stoppage time.
Under the guidance of head coach Maruful Haque, Bangladesh defeated Sri Lanka to kick off this year’s edition before losing to Nepal by 2-1 in the other group encounter.
In the semi-final, Bangladesh beat defending champions India 4-3 in the penalty shootout after normal time ended 1-1.
Starting Xl
Bangladesh : Mohammad Asif (GK); Ashraful Haque Asif (C), Shakil Ahad Topu, Asadul Islam Sakib, Rabby Hossain Rahul, Piash Ahmed Nova, Mirajul Islam, Asadul Molla, Rajib Hossain, Iftiar Hossain, Rustom Mia.
Nepal : Jiyarat Shekh (GK); Kushal Deuba (C), Ram Thapa, Sabin Ghimire, Semanta Thapa, Ashwin Ghorasainee, Samir Tamang, Nirajan Dhami, Niraj Karki, Abinash Syangtan, Lachhu Thapa.