Pakistan and Bhutan move to semi-finals
Kathmandu
22 Sept. 2023
Pakistan and Bhutan confirmed their semi-final berths in the ongoing SAFF U19 Championship 2023.
In the matches held on Saturday at the Dashrath Stadium, Pakistan drew 1-1 against Maldives to collect four points from two matches. The draw was enough to put Pakistan in the semi-finals from Group A. The last Group B match against host Nepal and Maldives shall decide who will join Pakistan from Group A. Maldives shall have a point from their draw, while Nepal are without a point.
Maldives made a bright start unlocking the Pakistan defense in the 39th minute through Shanaan Rasheed Rashaad. Pakistan got the equalizer in the 84th minute through Shah Jahan.
In another match of the day, Bhutan came from a two-goal deficit to beat Bangladesh 4-3. The win put Bhutan in the semi-final with three points alongside India who are also on three points. The last Group ‘B’ match between the two sides shall decide who shall advance as the group winner.
Bangladesh went in front in the third minute through MD Rubel Shaikh and had a two-goal cushion in the half-hour mark with the goal coming in from Asadul Molla.
Jigme Namgyel started the fight back for Bhutan scoring in the 32nd minute and Kinzang Tenzin restored parity for Bhutan scoring in the 45+3’ minutes.
Razu Ahmed Zisan retained the lead for Bangladesh scoring in the 55th minute but Jigme Namgyel once again came to the rescue equalizing in the 68th minute. Rinzin Dorji scored the winning goal for Bhutan in the 84th minute.