Bangladesh players celebrate their victory over Nepal in the semifinals of the SAFF U-19 Championship in India on May 16, 2025. Photo: BFF

Bangladesh edged past Nepal in a hard-fought contest to book their place in the SAFF U-19 Championship final, winning the first semifinal of the regional tournament by 2-1 margin in Arunachal Pradesh, India, today.

At the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia, following a goalless first half, Bangladesh struck twice within eight minutes -- with captain Nazmul Huda Faisal leading from the front -- before Nepal pulled one back late.

Bangladesh were relatively dominant in terms of possession and chance creation, and it took Golam Rabbani Choton's charges 73 minutes to break the deadlock, as defender Ashikur Rahman headed home from corner kick taken by Nazmul.

The Bangladesh captain then got on the scoresheet himself, tapping in with ease after substitute forward Mohammad Manik did the hard work -- bullying his marker to receive a aerial through ball, cutting on the inside before selflessly providing the assist.

The encounter saw a tense finish after Nepal struck in 87th minute through Sujan Dangol but Choton's charges did not allow further slip-up.  

In Sunday's final, Bangladesh will face either India or the Maldives, who play at 8 pm tonight.