Dhaka, Nov 3 (Just New): Bangladesh clinched the title of the fifth SAFF Under-15 Championship when they beat Pakistan 3-2 on penalties in the final at the ANFA Complex, Kathmandu, on Saturday.
Substitute goalkeeper Mehedi Hasan turned out to be hero for Bangladesh once again as he saved three shots in tie-breaker to hand his team their second title in the tournament history.
Mehedi, who also saved two penalties in the semi-final against India, replaced regular goalkeeper Mitul Marma before the tie-breaker once the two teams finished stipulated 90 minutes 1-1.
Rajon Howladar sent Bangladesh’s first shot in the tie-breaker over the post but Mehedi brought his team back into the contest immediately diving to his left to fend off Junaid Ahmed’s shot.
Tuhidul Islam Riday, Raja Ansari, Dukhu Mia scored for Bangladesh in next three shots but Mehedi denied Adnan Justin and Mudassar Nazar before and after the goals of Mohib Ullah and Wasif.
Bangladesh earlier took the lead in the 25th minute through an own goal before Mohib Ullah cancelled out by scoring from penalty in the 54th minute.
Bangladesh, who won their first title in 2016, dominated the first half and came close to scoring in 16th minute only to be denied by Pakistan goalkeeper.
They were ahead nine minutes later when a Pakistani defender put the ball into the net trying to clear a corner kick.
Bangladesh’s Helal Ahmed pushed a Pakistani defender inside the box to concede a penalty nine minutes into the second half and Mohib Ullah made no mistake to put things on level term.
Earlier on the day, India beat hosts Nepal 1-0 at the same venue to finish third in the tournament.
