Nepal clinches semi-final spot as Group A winners with victory over Bangladesh

Nepal secured their place in the semi-finals of the SAFF U-20 Championship 2024 by defeating Bangladesh 2-1, finishing atop Group A.

The decisive match took place at the ANFA Complex in Satdobato on Thursday. Samir Tamang and Nirajan Dhami scored two quick goals in the first half to lead Nepal to victory. Tamang capitalized on a mistake by Bangladesh goalkeeper Mohammed Mehdi Hasan Srabon, scoring into an open net in the 17th minute. Just a minute later, Dhami doubled Nepal's lead with a well-placed shot.

Bangladesh reduced the deficit with a penalty goal from Mirajul Islam in the 43rd minute but could not find the equalizer.