Kathmandu, August 27
Nepal and Bangladesh are set to clash in the final of the SAFF U-20 Championship today. Both teams secured their spots in the final by winning their semifinal matches in penalty shootouts—Nepal defeating Bhutan and Bangladesh overcoming defending champions India.
In the pre-match conference held on Tuesday, the coaches and captains of both teams expressed their readiness for the final. Nepal’s head coach, Urjan Shrestha, emphasised that both teams are strong and that the final will be competitive. “We are ready for the final. Bangladesh is a good team, and the better side will win,” Shrestha said. “Bangladesh is a tough opponent, but we are confident of putting up a good performance.”
Bangladesh’s coach, Maruful Haque, reflected on the challenging journey to the final and stated that his team is prepared. “There have been many ups and downs along the way,” Haque said. “Nepal is a strong opponent on their home ground, with many of their players familiar with these conditions. However, we are ready for the final.”
Second encounter in the tournament
This will be the second meeting between Nepal and Bangladesh in the ongoing tournament. In the group stage, Nepal defeated Bangladesh 2-1, applying pressure with two quick goals in the first half. Samir Tamang scored the first goal for Nepal, and the second was an own goal by Bangladesh. Bangladesh managed to score a penalty later in the game.
Nepal advanced to the final as group winners, having also defeated Sri Lanka 1-0. Bangladesh secured their spot in the final by defeating Sri Lanka 2-0.
First-Ever final showdown
This is the first time Nepal and Bangladesh will face each other in a SAFF U-20 Championship final. Nepal has won the title in the first two editions of the tournament. In 2015, Nepal claimed the title by defeating India in a penalty shootout in the final held on home soil. In 2017, the second edition was played on a round-robin basis in Bhutan, where Nepal emerged as champions.
This marks Nepal’s return to the final after a nine-year gap. Bangladesh, on the other hand, is making their third appearance in the final, having finished as runners-up to India in 2019 and 2022.
Historical dominance: Nepal vs. Bangladesh
Historically, Nepal has had the upper hand against Bangladesh in age-group tournaments. Nepal has never lost to Bangladesh in the SAFF U-20 Championship, winning three out of four encounters, with one match ending in a draw. Nepal has also defeated Bangladesh in previous editions to clinch the championship title.
In the 2015 group stage, Nepal defeated Bangladesh 2-1. The 2017 edition in Bhutan saw Nepal secure another 2-1 victory over Bangladesh in the league stage. In this tournament, Nepal once again defeated Bangladesh 2-1 in the group stage.
As the two teams prepare for their showdown, Nepal will be aiming to maintain their unbeaten record against Bangladesh and lift the trophy once again.
The final match starts at 2:30 at ANFA complex, Satdobato.
