Mal©: Bangladesh came from behind to force India into a 1-1 draw in their ultimate Group B match of the SAFF U-20 Championship held at the National Football Stadium in the capital, Mal©, the Maldives today (Saturday). With this outcome, both Bangladesh and India secured four points each from two matches, but India emerged as the group leader by virtue of a better goal difference, while Bangladesh finished as the group runners-up.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Bangladesh will now meet Group A champions Nepal in the first semifinals scheduled to be held on April 1 at the same venue. India will meet Group A runners-up Bhutan in the second semifinals on the same day and venue.
The early breakthrough came for India in the 16th minute following a well-worked corner routine. Unmarked Vishal Yadav sent the ball home with a strong header near the far post, giving no chance to custodian Mahin under the bar. Bangladesh fought back in the match in the 10th minute of added time. Sullivan provided a brilliant cross from the left, and substitute Abdul Riyad Fahim connected sweetly with a powerful volley that crashed into the back of the net.
Earlier, Bangladesh defeated Pakistan by 2-0 goals, courtesy of a brace by USA-based striker Ronan Sullivan, while India registered an overwhelming 3-0 victory over Pakistan in their respective opening group matches. The final of the tournament is slated for April 3 at the same venue.
The Bangladesh U-20 team consists of Ismail Hossain Mahin, Ishan Habib Riduan, Mithu Chowdhury, Ashikur Rahman, Kamal Merdha, Chondon Roy, Md Manik, Nazmul Huda, Murshed Ali, Ronan Sullivan, and Sheikh Sangram.