Dhaka, August 7: Bangladesh take on Pakistan in the first semifinal of the SAFF U-16 Championship at the Dasrath Stadium, Kathmandu at 2:15 BST on Monday.

Bangladesh beat Sri Lanka 6-2 and drew goalless with hosts Nepal in their group fixtures and finished runners-up in group B. Pakistan won the group A with beating India and Maldives by 1-0 and 6-0 margins.

Bangladesh coach Nurul Huq Manik was hopeful of moving ahead. “Our boys have almost adjusted with the conditions and they are in good shape, Sabbir and Bjoy will be missing the match as Sabbir is carrying a two yellow card while Bijoy was shown the red card in the last match, however the boys are ready to put their best and if the chances are utilized, we will definitely move through the final” said Manik.

However Manik said he apprehends that Pakistan has fielded over age players. “I feel Pakistan has some over aged players, they are physically well built and enjoys the advantage however skill wise they are not superior” said the Bangladesh coach.

Nepal and India play the second semifinal after the conclusion of Bangladesh-Pakistan encounter.