Yupia: Bangladesh were forced to play a 2-2 draw against Maldives in their opening Group A match of the SAFF U-19 Championship at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Arunachal Pradesh, India. Despite taking a 2-0 lead in the first half, Bangladesh could not maintain their advantage and shared the points with Maldives.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the defending champions started the match with a positive approach, taking the lead early in the 12th minute when Captain Mazharul Huda Faysal capitalized on a misplaced pass and scored with a powerful right-footer from the top of the box. Bangladesh doubled their lead just before the end of the first half with Md Rifat Kazi heading in from a goal-mouth melee after Mitu Chowdhury set up the chance from close range.
In the second half, Maldives mounted a comeback to deny Bangladesh a victory. Anoof Abdullah scored in the 57th minute, converting a cross from Nassah Ibrahim. Etham Ibrahim Zaki equalized for Maldives in the 73rd minute with a left-footed shot fr
om the top of the D box.
Bangladesh will face Bhutan in their next group match on Sunday, while Maldives will play against Bhutan on May 13 at the same venue. The top two teams from each group will advance to the cross semifinals scheduled for May 16, with the final match to be played on May 18. All matches are set to take place at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia.
The Bangladesh U-19 squad includes players such as Ismail Hossain Mahin, Nahidul Islam, Raj Chowdury, Ashikur Rahman, Mithu Chowdhury, and several others, as they aim to progress further in the tournament.