Bangladesh beat Sri Lanka to top group and reach semis

Bangladesh defeated Nepal 4-0 in their first match of the SAFF U-17 Championship. This time, Bangladesh's youth team defeated hosts Sri Lanka by the same margin in the second and final match of the group to become the champions of Group 'A'. Nepal is the runner-up of this group.

On Sunday (September 21), Arif gave Bangladesh the lead in the 18th minute of the match at the Kalaniya Football Academy ground in Colombo. Arif got the ball when the Sri Lankan goalkeeper blocked Nazmul Huda Faisal's shot. From there, he coolly sent the ball into the net.

After that, Bangladesh returned to the dressing room with a 1-0 lead in the first half. Bangladesh's youth team scored three more goals in the second half. Kazi Rifat scored all three goals. Kazi Rifat scored a goal with a corner kick from the right side of the box in the 48th minute.

In the 64th minute, Sabbir Islam's shot was partially saved by the opposing goalkeeper, but Rifat scored with a rebound. Rifat completed his hat-trick in the 88th minute. He received the ball with his foot or foot from captain Faisal and secured his hat-trick and his team's 4-0 victory with great skill.

Bangladesh, as the champions of Group 'A', will play against the runners-up of Group B in the semi-finals. India and Pakistan have already confirmed their semi-finals in Group B. Tomorrow's match between the two teams will basically determine the best of the group. After that, Bangladesh's opponent will basically be decided.

The two semi-finals will be held on the same day on September 25. Then, the final to determine the title of the tournament will be held on September 27.