Bangladesh U-23 national football team exited from group phase in the South Asian (SA) Games football event when they conceded a 1-2 defeat to favourite India in their group-B last match at Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo Saturday. With the creditable victory, India reached the last fours with five points from three matches, reports BDNEWS. Bangladesh, who also exited from the group-phase in the last edition SA Games in Islamabad, ended their race for the gold medal with two points from same number of outings. The winners between Nepal and Afghanistan will qualify for the semifinals from the group-B. However, if, the match ends in a draw, then Nepal will reach the semis by virtue of goal advantage. Argentine coach Cruciani's Bangladesh, who played a one-all draw against Nepal and a goalless draw against newcomers Afghanistan, went 2-0 down against Indian young team comprising of U-20 booters. Bangladesh captain Firoz Mahmud Titu reduced Bangladesh's margin converting a penalty ten minutes from regulation time, according to message received here.
|