Bangladesh U-20 men's
football team is on the verge of making history as they set to face host
Nepal in the final of
SAFF U-20 Championship on Wednesday.
The highly anticipated match is scheduled for Wednesday at ANFA Complex in Lalitpur, Kathmandu, with kick-off set for 5:45 pm (BST).
Bangladesh, having finished as runners-up in 2017, 2019, and 2022 editions of the championship, now stand just one win away from securing their first-ever SAFF U-20 Championship title. A victory over Nepal would mark a historic achievement for the team led by coach Maruful Haque.
Throughout the tournament, Bangladesh squad has displayed commendable performances. They started strong with a 2-0 victory over Sri Lanka in their opening group match but faced a setback in their second game, losing 2-1 to Nepal and finishing as group runners-up.
Their path to the final was secured with a thrilling 4-3 victory over India in a penalty shootout during the semifinals. Substitute goalkeeper Mohammed Asif emerged as the hero, making two crucial saves to propel Bangladesh into the final.
Nepal, aiming for their third SAFF U-20 Championship title following their triumphs in 2015 and 2017, will take to the field with the advantage of playing on home soil. The hosts have maintained a flawless record in this tournament, with wins against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in the group stage and a 4-1 penalty shootout victory over Bhutan in the semifinals.
Despite their strong record, Nepal has failed to progress beyond the group stage only once—in 2019—when they finished below Bhutan and the Maldives.
Bangladesh U-20 team - Mehedi Hasan Srabon, Asif, Ismail Hossain Mahin, Imran Khan, Mohammad Azizul Hoque, Ananto, Shakil Ahad Topu, Rajib Hossain, Rostom Islam Dukhu Mia, Parvej Ahmed, Kamacai Marma Aky, Asadul Islam Sakib, Chandon Roy, Ashraful Haque Asif, Mohsin Ahmed, Iftiar Hossain, Rabby Hossen Rahul, Razu Ahmed Zisan, Hossain Mohammad Arian, Asadul Molla, Iftasam Rahman Jidan, Mirajul Islam, Piash Ahmmed Nova and Moinul Islam Moin.
