Bangladesh finish runners-up in FIFA U-15 World Cup

Bangladesh finished runners-up in Tier E of the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival after losing 4-1 to the Central African Republic in the final in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Friday.

Bangladesh had made history by reaching the final and were hoping to lift the trophy. However, they fell short against a dominant Central African Republic side.

The opponents took the lead in the 14th minute through Moire before Penelle doubled their advantage four minutes later.

Takib pulled one back for Bangladesh in the 23rd minute, raising hopes of a comeback. But Moire restored the two-goal cushion just three minutes later before completing his hat-trick in the 39th minute to give the Central African Republic a 4-1 lead at half-time.

Bangladesh tried to reduce the deficit after the break but failed to break through their opponents’ defence.

The Central African Republic held on to their lead to secure the Tier E title, leaving Bangladesh with the runners-up trophy.

A total of 189 countries participated in the competition. Bangladesh secured 130th place overall by reaching the Tier E final.

Bangladesh’s campaign began in the qualification round, where they finished fifth among six teams to qualify for Tier E, winning one match.

In the 32-team knockout stage, Bangladesh defeated Seychelles 4-2 on penalties to reach the last 16. They then overcame Singapore 4-3 in another penalty shootout.

The young Bangladesh side produced a convincing 4-0 victory over Montenegro in the quarter-finals before beating Gabon 1-0 in the semi-finals to book their place in the final.

Although they missed out on the title, Bangladesh’s run in the inaugural edition of the tournament marked a significant achievement for the country’s youth football.