DHAKA, March 24, 2026 (BSS)-USA-based striker Ronan Sullivan scored a brace as Bangladesh made a winning start in the SAFF U-20 Championship beating Pakistan by 2-0 goals in their opening group B encounter held at National Football Stadium in capital Malé, Maldives today (Tuesday).

USA-based brothers Declan Sullivan and Ronan Sullivan, the two Bangladeshi-origin brothers, were in the spotlight even before the Pakistan match. Although Decline was out of playing eleven but Sullivan showed his artistic football on the field, giving Bangladesh a desirable start.

Pakistan however fought neck to neck with Bangladesh till the first half keeping the score sheet clean. After a cagey and goalless first half, the game burst into life in the second half when Ronan Sullivan opened the scoring in the 54th minute, breaking the deadlock with a composed finish.

He sealed the victory scoring the second goal for Bangladesh in the 67th minute of the match.

Bangladesh will play their last group match against India on Saturday (March 28), following the day’s another group B match between Pakistan and India on Thursday (March 26).

The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semifinals to be held on April 1 while the final of the tournament is slated for April 3 at the same venue.

Bangladesh squad: Md Ismail Hossain Mahin, Md Mithu Chowdhury,Ihsan Habib Riduan,Md Kamal Merdha,Chandon Roy,Md Manik,Nazmul Huda Faysal,Md Mursed Ali,Ronan Benjamin Sullivan,Sheikh Sangram and Md Yousuf Ali.