Bangladesh U18 football team made a creditable goalless draw against their strong Indian counterparts to seal the semifinal berth of Saff Under-18 football championship on Monday at Kathmandu, Nepal.
Bangladesh, who beat Sri Lanka 3-0, in the first match maintained their defense line very tight and composed and did not give their opponents any clear cut chance.
Bangladesh could get a goal in the 34th minute but Maraj Hossain failed to connect the cross from Foysal Ahmed Fahim. In the second half the boys in red and green almost snatched three points but Indian goalkeeper saved Amir Hossain Bappy’s head off Kazi Rahad Mia’s long throw to concede the Bangladesh side just one point.
However, that point was pivotal in their group B encounter and Bangladesh coach Andrew Turner was very pleased with the boys.
“I was thoroughly pleased with the performance. India were favorites before the ball was kicked. I thought we executed our plan extremely well. I think all the eleven players, plus the two subs that came on, were superb. They did their nation proud. We are going into the semi-finals wanting to repeat the performance from today and Monday, and you never know what happens,” said Turner after the game.
“I thought the three or five at the back that we played today were outstanding. Nothing got through them. They kept everything in front of them, they won every ball. Even the midfield players were outstanding today, every single one of them. And that’s being honest. Everyone saw how well we played. But we cannot get above ourselves. We have got a lot of hard work to do. The players really made their nation proud today,” the British added.
With this result Bangladesh now have four points from two matches and the final group B match between India and Sri Lanka will decide the second semifinalist from the group. Semifinal games will take place on Friday.
