DHAKA, Aug 28, 2024 (BSS)-Forward Mirajul Islam scored a brace as Bangladesh 
clinched the maiden SAFF U-20 Championship title beating host Nepal by 4-1 
goals in the final held at ANFA Complex in Nepal on Wednesday.

Apart from forward Mirajul Islam two goals in each half, Rabby Hossen Rahul 
and Piash Ahmed Nova supported him with a lone goal apiece in the second half 
to secure Bangladesh emphatic victory in the Nepal soil.

Samir Tamang scored alone goal for Nepal. 

At the end of the 45 minutes regulation time, the referee added two minutes 
of injury time. Bangladesh took the lead at that injury time from a free 
kick. Forward Mirajul Islam was fouled by Nepalese defender when he attempted 
to enter with the ball to the danger zone. Referee pointed the free kick and 
Mirajul made no mistake to convert the free kick with a fierce shot from the 
outside the D-box.

Back with a 1-0 lead, Bangladesh came to the field with more organised and 
added three more goal in the second half. 

Mirajul, who emerged as the highest scorer with four goals in the tournament, 
again doubled the lead in the 54th minute. After receiving a cross from the 
left wing, he sent the ball to the net with a brilliant header to make the 
margin 2-0.

After falling behind by two goals, Nepal could not return to normal rhythm. 
Bangladesh continued to dominate and Rabby scored the third goal for 
Bangladesh in the 69th minute.

Despite getting more scoring chances than Bangladesh in the proceeding, Nepal 
got their first goal in the 80th minute when Samir Tamang pulled one back 
with a header in the 80th minute taking the chance of mistake by defender and 
goal keeper.

Nova sealed Bangladesh's comprehensive victory in the 95th minute of the 
match.  

Earlier, Bangladesh lost to Nepal by 2-1 goal in the group phase match. 

The jump-packed local crowds supported the two times champions Nepal team 
throughout the stadium. Nepal dominated the match of first half and missed 
some scoring opportunities. The hosts were ahead in ball possession and 
attack but they could not take lead lacks of the proper finishing.