Bangladesh, India settle for a draw

Bangladesh U-20 football team, came from behind, forced India to play 1-1 goal draw in their final league-stage fixture of group B match of the SAFF U-20 Championship was held at National Football Stadium in capital Male, the Maldives on Saturday.

With this outcome, both Bangladesh and India secured four points each from two matches, but India emerged group top by virtue of better goal difference while Bangladesh finished group runners-up.

Bangladesh will now meet group A champions Nepal in the first semifinals scheduled to be held on April 1 at the same venue. India will meet group A runners-up Bhutan in the second semis on the same day and venue.

The early breakthrough came for India in the 16th minute following a well-worked corner routine. Unmarked Vishal Yadav sent the ball home with a strong header near the far post giving no chance to custodian Mahin under the bar.

Bangladesh fought back in the match in the 10th minute of added time.

Sullivan provided a brilliant cross from the left and substitute Abdul Riyad Fahim connected sweetly with powerful volleyball that crushed at the back of the net.

Earlier, Bangladesh defeated Pakistan by 2-0 goals, courtesy of a brace by USA-based striker Ronan Sullivan while India registered an overwhelming 3-0 victory over Pakistan, both their respective opening group matches.

The final of the tournament is slated for April 3 at the same venue.

Bangladesh U-20 team: Ismail Hossain Mahin, Ishan Habib Riduan, Mithu Chowdhury, Ashikur Rahman, Kamal Merdha, Chondon Roy, Md Manik, Nazmul Huda, Murshed Ali, Ronan Sullivan and Sheikh Sangram.