Nepal take on Bhutan, India meet Bangladesh in SAFF U20 semis

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Aug. 24: The four semi-finalists of the second edition of the SAFF U-20 Championship have been confirmed after India defeated the Maldives in the final group stage match of the tournament on Friday. 

Group A and B toppers Nepal and India alongside runner-ups Bangladesh and Bhutan have progressed to the semi-finals respectively.

India defeated the Maldives by 1-0 as the two played in the ANFA Complex ground in Satdobato, Lalitpur. 

India would have qualified for the semis even with a draw. As India and Bangladesh stayed goalless until the end of 90 minutes of official time, Bangladesh was the one desperate for a win. However, the desperation did not go well.

The only goal by India’s key player Manglenthang Kipgen in the injury time after the end of 90 minutes went on to become the decider and the Maldives were knocked out of the tournament. The Maldives had also lost to Bhutan in its previous group match.

Thus, with two wins in two matches, India topped Group B. With a loss against India and a win against the Maldives, Bhutan finished second. Likewise, with two wins, Nepal tops Group A and is followed by Bangladesh, which registered a win after defeating Sri Lanka.

After a day break, the semi-final fixtures will start on Sunday. Host Nepal faces Bhutan in the first semi-final on August 25 while India and Bangladesh will compete on August 26. The final has been scheduled on August 28.