DHAKA, Aug 22, 2024 (BSS) - Bangladesh suffered a 2-1 goal defeat to host Nepal in their ultimate group A match of the SAFF U-20 Championship held at ANFA Complex in Nepal today (Thursday).

With the day's defeat, Bangladesh finished group runners-up with three points in the table and they will play the second semifinal against group B champions on August 26 following the first semifinal match where Nepal will face group B runners- up team on August 25 at the same venue. 

In the day's proceeding, Samir Tamang and Nirajan Dhami scored one each for Nepal while Mirajul Islam netted a lone goal for Bangladesh, who trailed the first half by 2-1 goals.

Samir Tamang gave Nepal a deserving lead early in the 17th minute while Nirajan Dhami doubled the lead scoring the second goal in the 19th minute of the match.

Mirajul Islam pulled one back scoring a lone goal for Bangladesh in the 43rd minute.

After the breather, Bangladesh however tried their best to stage a fight back creating several chances but failed to convert any goal in the remaining proceeding and ultimately the boys in red and green had to leave the field with empty hand.

Earlier, Bangladesh beat Sri Lanka by 2-0 goals while Nepal edged past the same opponents by a solitary goal in both their respective group opening matches. 

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.