Bangladesh roared into the final of the SAFF U-17 Championship with a 2-0 victory over Pakistan in the first semi-final on Thursday at Colombo Racecourse Ground.
The defending finalists scored twice a minute apart in the first half to take control of the match. Nazmul Huda Faisal scored the first goal, and Apu Rahman doubled the lead a few moments later.
The quick and furious blizzard of goals in the first few minutes, indeed, virtually determined the match, compelling Pakistan to undertake an uphill task for the remaining part.
Bangladesh, who progressed to the semi-finals as group winners, started on the attack and capitalised on a costly error made by Pakistan goalkeeper Samar Razzak in just the third minute.
Razzak’s errant throw gave possession to Apu, whose pass out of trouble deflected off a defender and dropped for Faisal. The keeper was beaten, and Faisal found an empty net.
The positive energy continued as Apu buried a rocket that split two defenders and evaded the diving Razzak for a 2-0 lead, just like that.
In the latter half, Bangladesh concentrated on maintaining the lead, and Pakistan was unable to regain control of the game. The win ensured that Bangladesh is on the brink of winning its first-ever title at this level.
They will meet the winner of the second semi-final between India and Nepal in Saturday’s final.