Bangladesh finish as Group runners-up after draw with India

Bangladesh came from behind to force a 1-1 draw with India in their final Group B match of the SAFF U-20 Championship, held at the National Football Stadium in the capital Malé, Maldives, on Saturday, reports BSS.
With this outcome, both Bangladesh and India secured four points each from two matches, but India topped the group by virtue of a better goal difference, while Bangladesh finished as group runners-up.
Bangladesh will now meet Group A champions Nepal in the first semifinal, scheduled for April 1 at the same venue. India will face Group A runners-up Bhutan in the second semifinal on the same day and at the same venue.
The early breakthrough came for India in the 16th minute following a well-worked corner routine. Unmarked Vishal Yadav sent the ball home with a powerful header near the far post, giving no chance to custodian Mahin under the bar.
Bangladesh fought back in the 10th minute of added time. Sullivan provided a brilliant cross from the left, and substitute Abdul Riyad Fahim connected perfectly with a powerful volley that smashed into the back of the net.
Earlier, Bangladesh defeated Pakistan 2-0, courtesy of a brace by USA-based striker Ronan Sullivan, while India registered an overwhelming 3-0 victory over Pakistan in their respective opening group matches.
The final of the tournament is slated for April 3 at the same venue.
The Bangladesh U-20 team comprised Ismail Hossain Mahin, Ishan Habib Riduan, Mithu Chowdhury, Ashikur Rahman, Kamal Merdha, Chondon Roy, Md Manik, Nazmul Huda, Murshed Ali, Ronan Sullivan, and Sheikh Sangram.