Bangladesh draw 1-1 with India emerging group champions of SAFF championship

Dhaka, Dec 12 (BDNEWS) – Bangladesh moved into the semi-final of the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship as group-B champions when they drew 1-1 with India in the last group match at the Peoples Sports Complex in Karachi, Pakistan Monday.

Despite a draw against two times' champions India, Bangladesh became group champions by virtue of goal difference to set the semi-final clash with the host Pakistan on Wednesday.

India will face group-A champions Maldives in other semis on the same day at the same venue.

Climax Lawrence put ahead India in the 9th minute while Emili restored the parity for Bangladesh in 81st minute.

Bangladesh's coach Andres Cruciani gave his seven regular booters – Farhad, Khanchan, Joy, Arman, Sujan, Rajani and Aminul - rest before the semi-final as the defending champions earlier confirmed their berth beating Bhutan and Nepal.

However, the Argentine coach fielded Alfaz in the last five minutes withdrawing striker Shahajuddin Tipu.

Besides, Bangladesh's five players were cautioned during the match against Nepal and the Argentine coach did not take any risk fielding those players.

India dominated the first half while the depleted Bangladesh bounced back in the second half.

The depleted Bangladesh led by Hasan Al Mamun not only dominated over mighty India in the second half, but also snatched the equalizer and created at least three scoring chances.

After the lemon break, a long-rang shot by Mohesh went narrowly over Bangladesh goalpost in the 50th minute.

After being set up by playmaker Maunna, medio Abul took an angular shot from inside the box, but the weak-shot directly went to Indian goalie after 52 minutes while attacking mid-fielder Ujjal put the ball to the opponent hands from a close-range in the 80th minute.

Emili levelled the margin in the 81st minute with a placing shot. Munna put a short pass to Emili inside the box and the young striker did not mistake to send it to the far post with a placing shot.

In the day's other same group match, Nepal beat Bhutan by 3-1 goals.

Bangladesh squad: Biplob, Hasan Al Mamun, Faisal Hossain, Nazrul, Parvez Babu, Arman Azizi, Munna, Abul, Ujjal, Tipu (Alfaz) and Emili.

BDNEWS/2153 hrs