Bangladesh is now just one win away from clinching the SAFF Under-19 Championship title after defeating Nepal 2-1 in the semi-final on Friday.
Under the guidance of head coach Golam Rabbani Choton, the young Bangladeshi side secured a hard-fought victory to book their place in the final.
Having triumphed over Nepal in the previous edition's U-20 final, Bangladesh once again proved superior in a tense encounter.
The match began with Bangladesh pressing forward. In the 23rd minute, Bangladesh striker Faisal delivered a brilliant through ball to fellow striker Rifat, whose left-footed shot was pushed out for a corner by the Nepali goalkeeper.
Nepal came close to taking the lead in the 30th minute when an effort struck the post. Just four minutes later, Murshed's free-kick narrowly missed the target. Despite several chances, the first half ended goalless.
Bangladesh continued to push after the break. In the 55th minute, a corner created a goalmouth scramble which Nepal defender Madan Paudel managed to clear off the line. Five minutes later, a long ball caused panic as Bangladeshi goalkeeper Mahin briefly lost control, but he recovered just in time to clear it away from approaching forward Sujan Dangal.
The breakthrough came in the 73rd minute when Faisal's corner found Ashiqur Rahman at the far post, who headed home to put Bangladesh in the lead.
Seven minutes later, Faisal doubled the advantage with a composed finish. It was a moment of selfless play from Manik, who chose not to shoot despite being in a strong position inside the box, instead laying the ball off for his captain.
Nepal pulled one back in the 86th minute through Sujan, whose powerful strike beat Mahin from close range, setting up a nervy finish. The rest of the match was uneventful.
The win brought joy at home and abroad for Bangladesh.
Bangladesh will play in the final on Sunday.
