Bangladesh U-19 kept their SAFF U-19 Championship dreams alive with a commanding 3-0 win over Bhutan in their second group-stage match on Sunday. After a 2-2 draw with Maldives, they needed a win to stay in the semifinal race, and they delivered.
From the opening whistle, Bangladesh U-19 controlled the tempo and showed great attacking intent. Md Mursed Ali opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a clinical finish after receiving a through ball from captain Nazmul Huda Faysal. The pressure didn’t stop there. Just 15 minutes later, a brilliant cross from Mursed Ali found Sree Sumon Soren, who made it 2-0 with a composed finish past the Bhutanese defense and goalkeeper.
Despite a spirited second-half effort from Bhutan, similar to what Maldives showed in their last match against Bangladesh, the defense held firm. Bangladesh U-19 remained organized and composed, denying Bhutan any real scoring chances while controlling possession. In stoppage time, captain Faysal capitalized on a goalkeeper error to score the third and seal a comprehensive victory.
📅 Semifinal Spot Secured: What’s Next for Bangladesh U-19?
With this win, Bangladesh U-19 qualified for the semifinals of the SAFF U-19 Championship. The top two teams from each group move forward to the cross semifinals, which are scheduled for May 16. The final of the tournament will be held on May 18, with all matches taking place at the same venue.
🧒 Bangladesh U-19 Squad:
Ismail Hossain Mahin, Nahidul Islam, Raj Chowdury, Ashikur Rahman, Mithu Chowdhury, Sifat Sahariar, Abdul Riyad Fahim, Salah Uddin Sahed, Delwar, Sani Das, Abdul Kadir, Kamal Merdha, Nazmul Huda Faysal, Siam Omit, Ratul Hasan, Farzad Syed Aftab, Samuel Raksam, Mursed Ali, Joy Ahamed, Sree Sumon Soren, Manik, Rifat Kazi, and Ashik.
