Defending champions Bangladesh team will play Nepal in the first semifinal of the six-nation South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Men's Under-19 Championship on Friday (May 16) targeting a final berth after beating the Himalayan nation.

The first semifinal match between Group A champions Bangladesh and Group B runners-up Nepal will kicks-off 4:30pm Bangladesh time at the Golden Jubilee Stadium, Yupia, in the Indian State of Arunachal Pradesh.

Hosts and Group B champions India will encounter Group A runners up Maldives in the other semifinal, also on Friday at 8pm at the same venue.

Bangladesh team made final training session at the NERIST ground in Nirjuli Thursday afternoon ahead of their clash with Nepal in the Friday’s semifinal

In the day’s final practice session, the players and coaching staff are putting maximum effort in preparation, worked hard and united with strong determination to secure a place in the final.

Bangladesh’s Head Coach Golam Rabbani Choton said, “We reached the semifinal after completing the group stage properly, we made good recovery both physically and mentally in the meantime, we also worked on strong and weak side of Nepal and we are fully ready for the semifinal.”

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semifinal match will be competitive one. But, we will take to the field on Friday to win against Nepal” he added.
Bangladesh emerged Group A champions securing four points from two group matches after beating Bhutan by 3-0 goals after making 2-2 draw with the Maldives in the opener.

The Maldives managed a semifinal berth as Group A runners-up securing two points from two matches after playing 2-2 draw with both Bangladesh and Bhutan

In Group B, hosts India topped the list with all win record securing full six points from straight two matches after crushing Sri Lanka by 8-0 goals and outplaying Nepal by 4-0 goals

Nepal booked a seat for last four stage as Group B runners-up securing three points from two matches outplaying all losers Sri Lanka by 5-0 goals apart from their 0-4 goals losses against giant India.

SAFF U-19 Champs: Holders Bangladesh emerge group champions to set up semi-final with Nepal Friday

Earlier, Bangladesh team put in Group A of the regional youth soccer meet with Bhutan and the Maldives while hosts India was placed in Group B with Nepal and Sri Lanka.