Lalitpur, October 29

Nepal faced a 2-1 defeat at the hands of 10-man Bangladesh in the SAFF U-15 Championship here at the ANFA Complex grounds today.

With the victory, Bangladesh finished as Group A winners with six points, while Nepal were runners-up with three. The Maldives, who faced to losses, were eliminated from the pool.

In an early Group B match, India beat Bhutan 4-0 to advance to the semi-finals as runners-up behind Pakistan. Pakistan finished on top with six points, while Bhutan remained winless. In Thursday’s semi-final matches, Nepal will play against Pakistan, while India face Bangladesh.

In a match between two already qualified teams, Md Ibne Ahad Sakil and Md Pajon Howladar scored for Bangladesh in either half, while Jaan Limbu found the back of the nets for the home side.

Bangladesh took the lead in the second minute after Sakil put the ball into the nets. Bangladesh were reduced to 10 men after goalkeeper Mitul Marma was expelled for an intentional foul against Rakesh Bishwokarma in the 33rd minute. Limbu converted the resulting penalty to level the scores in the 36th minute.

Nepal were stunned moments after the resumption when Howladar put the visitors ahead in the 46th minute. The home side pushed hard for an equaliser but failed to find one despite creating a number of chances.

In another match, India registered an easy victory over Bhutan to seal the semi-finals berth. Paul Shubho put India ahead in the fourth minute, while Subba Kushang doubled the tally in the 66th minute. Shubho netted his second goal of the match in the 66th minute before Xalxo Aman completed the scoring in the 90th minute.