Defending champions Bangladesh emerged unbeaten Group A champions to reach the semi-final of the six-nation South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Men's Under-19 Championship.

Bangladesh will play Group B runners-up Himalayan nation Nepal in the first semifinal on Friday at 4:30 pm at the Golden Jubilee Stadium, Yupia, in the Indian State of Arunachal Pradesh. 

Hosts India, which clinched Group B title with all win record outplaying Nepal 4-0 on Tuesday, will play the 2nd semi-final against the Maldives, also on Friday at 8: pm at the same venue.

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.

Ahead of the Friday's semis, Bangladesh team held their practices for the 2nd consecutive day on Wednesday afternoon  at the NERIST ground, Nirjuli, the same ground used for first practice session on Tuesday.

The team fully focused on the upcoming challenge — the first semi-final of the tournament against Nepal, The players and coaching staff are putting in maximum effort in preparation, with strong determination to secure a place in the final, said a BFF media release Wednesday evening.

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.