DHAKA, Sept 25, 2025 (BSS) - The spirited Bangladesh U-17 national football team stormed into the final of the SAFF U-17 Championship, beating Pakistan 2-0 in the first semifinal held at Racecourse Ground in Colombo, Sri Lanka, today (Thursday).

Bangladesh will now play the final match against the day's second semifinal winners, either India or Nepal. The final match will take place on Saturday (Sept 27) at the same venue.

Goals from Nazmul Huda Faisal (3') and Opu Rahman (4') ensured a smooth passage to the title clash, as Bangladesh maintained their perfect record - both in terms of wins and clean sheets.

From the outset, Bangladesh looked sharp, hungry, and in complete control. The early breakthrough came in the 3rd minute when skipper Nazmul Huda Faisal gave Bangladesh a deserving lead with a close-range shot.

Bangladesh's second goal followed in the very next minute. Opu Rahman, darting down the right wing, took a powerful angled shot that gave the Pakistani goalkeeper no chance to react under the bar.

After conceding the two early goals, Pakistan could not fight back despite repeated attempts. Bangladesh continued attacking football for the remainder of the match.

The boys in red and green showed good football throughout the tournament. They beat Nepal and Sri Lanka by an identical 4-0 margin to emerge as Group A champions.

On the other hand, Pakistan beat Bhutan 4-0 in their group opening match, defeated Maldives 5-2 in their second match, but lost to defending champions India 3-2 in their last group match to finish as Group B runners-up.

Bangladesh U-17 football team - Alif Rahman Imtiaz, Tasin Saheb, Chandro Saha, Ikramul Islam, Azam Khan, Md Raj, Sabbir Islam, Shadat Hossain, Tarek Hossain, Ishan Habib Riduan, Kamal Merdha, Nazmul Huda Faisal (captain), Md Manik, Rifat Kazi, Ashik, Opu Rahman, Ruhul Amin Akash, Akash Ahmed, Mohin Ahmed, Md Arif, Bayzit Bostami, Mahin Miah Sojib, and Akash Ahmad.