Sports Desk:

The Bangladesh Under-19 football team clinched a semifinal spot in SAFF U-19 Championship after beating Bhutan 3-0 in their second group-stage match on Sunday.

Bangladesh, after a 2-2 draw with Maldives on Friday, had to win against Bhutan to keep the hopes alive in the tournament.

The young Tigers opened the scoreline in the 13th minute as forward Mursed Ali finished clinically after receiving captain Nazmul Huda Faysal’s brilliant through ball.

The lead was doubled just after 15 minutes, as Mursed Ali’s cross from the right side found forward Sumon Soren who netted, beating Bhutanese defenders and goalkeeper.

Bhutan came back stronger after the break but failed to convert the chances.

The red-and-green side confirmed their semifinal spot with a stoppage time goal by Faysal.

Bhutan or Maldives, the winners of Tuesday’s match, will join Bangladesh in the semifinals from group A.

Nepal, Sri Lanka and host India are fighting for the other two places from group B in the final four.

The two semi finals are scheduled on 16 May, and the final will take place two days later.