Bangladesh into the final after defeating Nepal

Photo: Collected

Sports Desk: Bangladesh has reached the final of the SAFF Championship by defeating Nepal. In today’s first semifinal in Malé, Maldives, the Bangladesh U-20 football team secured a 1-0 victory over Nepal. The lone goal of the match, which proved decisive, was scored by Manik.
Bangladesh had been the unbeaten champion of the SAFF tournament in 2024, and the team traveled this time with the mission of retaining the title. By defeating Nepal, the Red-Greens are once again in contention for the trophy. Their opponent in the final will be determined tonight after the India vs Bhutan match.
Throughout the semifinal, Bangladesh dominated the match. Manik’s brilliant header gave Bangladesh a 1-0 lead going into halftime, and no goals were scored by either side in the second half.
From the very start, Bangladesh put Nepal’s defense under pressure. The first goal came early, in the 11th minute, from a short set-piece on the right flank. Murshid Ali delivered a superb floating cross, which Manik expertly headed past the Nepalese goalkeeper.
Just two minutes later, the lead could have been doubled. U.S.-based Ronan Benjamin Sullivan struck the ball into the net, but the referee ruled it offside.
In the 21st minute, Nazmul had a header from a chance created by Sullivan, but Nepalese goalkeeper Pemba Nurbu made an incredible one-handed save.
At the 38th minute, Murshid Ali fired a bullet shot that narrowly missed the post. Bangladesh maintained the 1-0 lead into halftime, and with no further goals in the second half, they secured a 1-0 victory to advance to the final.