Mehedi’s penalty heroics help Bangladesh beat India, set up SAFF U-15 final against Pakistan

Goalkeeper Mehedi Hasan has saved two penalties in a dramatic shootout to get Bangladesh to the final of SAFF U-15 Championship with a 4-2 win against India.

They will face Pakistan in the final on Saturday after the semifinals win in Nepal’s ANFA Complex on Thursday.

India took the lead in the 17th minute when Patre Harsh Shailesh’s long range effort went in.

Regular goalkeeper Mitul Marma was out of the game after being sent off in the previous match against Nepal. 

Bangladesh failed to get back in the game in the first half after Md Nazmul Ahmed Shakil’s shot went past the crossbar in the 37th minute.

They continued to attack after the break but the goal eluded them in the regulation time.

Striker Md Ashikur Rahman scored the equaliser from the spot after Rasel Ahmed was fouled inside the box in the added time. It was his third goal of the tournament. 

In penalty shootout, Md Raja Ansari, Md Rostom Islam Dukhu Mia, Tuhidul Islam Riday and Kamran Uddin Raju scored.

Pakistan beat Nepal 4-0 in the other semifinal.

Bangladesh reached the semis topping the group with a 9-0 win over the Maldives and 2-1 victory over Nepal.

Goalkeeper Mehedi and striker Ashikur said they were focusing on the final against Pakistan now.

Coach Mostafa Anwar Parvez was a bit disappointed with chances missed in the match against India.

“Now it’s time to plan for the Pakistan match,” he said.