Bangladesh book final berth after 1-1 draw 

Bangladesh Under-20 national football team secured their spot in the final of the ongoing SAFF U20 Championship following a 1-1 draw against Nepal in their final group stage match at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, India on Tuesday.

On an eventful afternoon, Bangladesh striker Piash Ahmed Nova broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute before Nepal found an equaliser just five minutes later through substitute Niranjan Malla’s thumping strike after both teams were reduced to 10 men.

Nepal dominated the first half in terms of chances created, but failed to find the net despite coming close on several occasions.

The second half saw both teams coming at it with more intent, which catalysed the two send-offs. Both sets of players got in a scuffle following Bangladesh skipper Tanvir Hossain’s challenge on a Nepali winger.

The tussle between the players involved almost all players, and once it was over, the referee sent off Bangladesh’s Shahidul Islam and Nepal’s Dipesh Gurang in the 51st minute.

The game became more open, and Bangladesh found the lead in the 63rd minute. Rafiqul Islam’s cross following a quick counter was finished smartly by Piash. Minutes after the goal, Nepal equalised through Niranjan’s thumping left-footed strike from 30 yards.

After the Nepal equaliser, Bangladesh had several chances to kill the game, but Piash failed to find a fitting finish twice as he put it past the keeper, ending the contest at 1-1.

The final will be played on August 2 at the same venue.