SAFF U-20 Football: Bangladesh Beat Defending Champion India

Pias Ahmed Nova scored a brace to guide the last two times runners-up Bangladesh beating defending champions and hosts India by 2-1 goal in a vital match of the five-nation SAFF U-20 Championship'2022 at Kalinga Stadium in the Indian city of Bhubaneswar on Wednesday.

All three goals were scored in the first half.

With the day's well-merited victory, Bangladesh brightened their chance to reach the final securing full six points from straight two matches after beating Sri Lanka by 1-0 goal in their first match by a Mirazul goal

With the day's debacle, holders India have yet to open the account losing their opening match to their neighbor Bangladesh.

Two times champions Nepal followed Bangladesh with three points from one match crushing the Maldives by 4-0 goal in the tournament opener.  

Pias Ahmed Nova put Bangladesh ahead in the 29th minute by a cool placing shot from close after dodging past one of the opponent defenders with the frustration of the home crown (1-0). 

Gurkirat Singh leveled the margin for host India in the 34th minute with a good header from a goalmouth melee (1-1).

Pias Ahmed Nova scored the match-winning goal for Bangladesh in the last minute of the first half from a penalty (2-1). Bangladesh was awarded the spot kick when an Indian defender brought down an onrushing Bangladesh forward in the danger zone.

In a tense packed 2nd half, both managed some good scoring opportunities but failed to utilize any. 

India made four changes in their line while Bangladesh made two.   

In the remaining matches, Bangladesh will play the Maldives on July 29 and Nepal on August 2.

Five South Asian nations – India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Maldives, and Sri Lanka-- are taking part in this year's fourth edition of the regional soccer meet.

After the league basis matches, the top two teams will play in the final on August 5.

Nepal is the most successful nation in the meet winning the title twice while India lifted its first title in 2019 after beating two times runners-up Bangladesh.