Dhaka, Dec 08:
Bangladesh stormed into the semi-finals as the champions of group B of the Bangabandhu SAFF Championship with a superb 2-1 win over Sri Lanka at the BNS on Tuesday. Bangladesh topped the group with 7 points followed by Sri Lanka who have six. Pakistan earned four points and Bhutan zero. Bangladesh will play the semifinal against the runners-up of group A while Sri Lanka will take on the champions. The group A semfinalists will be decided on Wednesday.
Bangladesh started as an attacking mode and cornered Sri Lanka in their territory in the first quarter of the hour. Bangladesh only did not score the goal but also displayed an attacking brand of football. Uzzal was imperative in the middle, Emily and Enamul roamed through out the opposition D-box while Nasir continuously overlapped down the right flank.
Bangladesh duly took the lead in the 8th minute with a strike to remember. Uzzal sneaked through the midfield producing a brilliant footwork, provided a neat square pass to Emily in the left flank, Emily cut back the ball to Enamul who turned the ball in into the far corner of the net.
Bangladesh continued the onslaught and Jahed Parvez with all the time in his hand floated the ball over the crosspiece after Emily paved the way for him in the 20th minute from the right flank.
Rajani the reliable defender was ruing in the 32nd minute as he lost his balance trying to control an Uzzal floater from the left flank with Sri Lankan custodian Ajith Kumara standing hapless in the far post.
Sri Lanka waited for their chances and hit back in a magnificent way. Ace forward Ediri
Channa hit the back of the net with a low free kick from 20 yards that pierced through the defensive wall.
