Bangladesh swept into the semi-final of the Saff Under-16 Championship 2015 as the Group A champions after beating defending champions India 2-1 inside a boisterous Sylhet District Stadium yesterday.
The hosts will now face the runners-up side of Group B - either Nepal or Afghanistan – this Sunday at the same venue. Nepal and Afghanistan will lock horns with each other today at 5pm and the losing side will face the young Tigers in the last four.
Bangladesh exacted sweet revenge over their neighbours, who had defeated the young Tigers 2-0 in the last edition of the championship two years ago in Kathmandu, Nepal.
The home side were comparatively the better side throughout the match, dominating midfield and possession as well as creating more chances.
It was midfielder Mohammad Shawon who gave the young Tigers the deserved lead in the 31st minute. Shawon received a deflected ball at the centre of the box and smashed home past the Indian goalkeeper.
The visitors, against the run of play, cancelled out the lead four minutes into the second half when Rahim Ali ran free towards the goal before getting the better of the onrushing Bangladesh custodian from the edge of the box to find the back of the net.
Sarwar Zaman Nipu might have squandered a glorious opportunity in the 65th minute but he later made amends by helping his side earn a penalty five minutes from the final whistle. Mohammed Atiquzzaman unleashed a powerful effort from the spot and sent the Indian netminder the wrong way.
