Kathmandu: Bangladesh U15 national team won the SAFF U15 Championship 2018 by beating Pakistan in the final in Kathmandu, Nepal on Saturday afternoon.
The Red and Greens beat Pakistan 3-2 on penalties after the match had ended 1-1 at the end of regulation time.
Both the teams started the match strongly with Bangladesh creating more chances.
The Bengal boys got rewards for their hard work in the 25th minute when Pakistan skipper Haseeb Ahmed Khan headed the ball into his own net from a fair distance away trying to clear a dangerous corner kick.
The teams went into the break with Bangladesh leading 1-0.
After the break, Pakistan threw all they had at Bangladesh and won a penalty in the 54th minute.
Pakistan defender Mohib Ullah beat Bangladesh goalkeeper Mitul Marma by inches as he guessed right to dive to his left.
Both the teams gave it their all over the rest of the half but failed to find a winner for their side.
The match went to penalty shootout directly and goalkeeper Mehedi Hasan, subbed-in before the end of regulation time, once again emerged as Bangladesh’s saviour.
Mehedi saved three of Pakistan’s 5 penalties to hand Bangladesh the coveted trophy.
The U15 boys showed great determination, courage and self-belief to win back to back matches on penalties and win the SAFF trophy for their country.
All the players and staff have expressed their happiness on reaching the target they set before the start of the tournament – winning the champions’ trophy.
