Photo: BFF

DHAKA, April 1, 2026 (BSS)- Bangladesh stormed into the final of SAFF U-20 
Championship 2026 with a 1-0 goal victory against Nepal in the first 
semifinal held at National Football Stadium in capital Mal,, Maldives today 
(Wednesday).

Bangladesh will now play the final against second semifinalists either India 
or Bhutan on Friday (April 3) at the same venue.
 
Goal from Md Manik (11th minute) ensured Bangladesh a smooth passage to the 
title clash as the boys in red and green looked sharp, hungry, and in 
complete control from the very outset. Dominating possession and dictating 
the tempo, they pegged Nepal deep into their own half with a series of 
attacks. 

The early breakthrough came in the 11th minute. Manik took a powerful header 
from the close range off a chip from Morshed giving no chance to Nepalese 
custodian Pemba under the bar.
 
In the next minute, Bangladesh also had a chance to increase the lead. 
Following a counter attack, Mithu darted down and provided a pass to Ronan 
who sent the ball home dodging the Nepal custodian but the referee raised the 
flag for off side and the goal was not counted.

After the breather, Nepal were desperate to restore parity. They got the real 
scoring chance in the 60th minute against Nepal. A set-piece from the left 
was floated in towards the near post, where Khadka took a header beating 
Bangladesh custodian Ismail, but the ball hit the top of the net.

Nepal continued their onslaught desperately in order to find the equaliser, 
but Bangladesh held their nerve cool in the last moment and eventually left 
the field with their deserving victory.

Bangladesh earlier finished group B runners-up to reach the semifinal. The 
boys in red and green defeated Pakistan by 2-0 goals in their opening group 
match and played out to a 1-1 draw with India in their second and ultimate 
group match.

On the other hand, Nepal emerged group A champions to reach the last four 
stages. On the way to the semifinal, they beat Bhutan 2-1, defeated Sri Lanka 
1-0 and played out to a 1-1 draw with Maldives.

Bangladesh U-20 team- Ismail Hossain, Mahin, Mithu Chowdhury, Sani Das, Kamal 
Mredha, Chandon Roy, Md Manik, Nazmul Huda Faysal, Mursed Ali, Ronan Benjamin 
Sullivan, Sheikh Sangram and Yousuf Ali.