Bangladesh came from behind to beat Pakistan 2-1 in the second semi-final of the SAFF U-16 Championship at Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu Friday to reach the final.
The young boys in red and green will face India, who thrashed Maldives 8-0 in the other semi-final, in the title deciding match at the same venue Sunday.
Bangladesh went close to scoring with just two minutes into the clock when Swe Mong Sing Marma’s shot was cleared off the line.
Against the run of play, Abdul Ghani put Pakistan ahead in the sixth minute with a clinical finish from the edge of the box.
Mohammad Murshed Ali equalized the margin a minute before the quarter hour mark, heading home a precise cross from the right flank.
Mohammad Abu Sayed gave Bangladesh the lead a minute before the half hour mark as the forward converted a cross from captain Nazmul Huda Faysal from close range.
After the break, Pakistan initiated a good attack but defender Ismail Hossain made a brilliant tackle to block the threat while Bangladesh also had a couple of chances but could not extend the lead.
Bangladesh were earlier placed in Group A and began the campaign with a 1-0 defeat against defending champions India before beating Nepal 1-0 to reach the semis.
A total of six teams have taken part in the competition where Bangladesh became champions twice in 2015 and 2018 and India are four-time winners.
