Bangladesh make flying start with 4-0 Nepal win

Bangladesh launched their SAFF U-17 Championship campaign in style, thrashing Nepal 4-0 in their Group A opener at Colombo's Racecourse International Stadium today.

The men in red and green, two-time champions, dominated from start to finish to all but secure a semifinal spot. They now need only a point against hosts Sri Lanka on Sunday to confirm progression.

After a series of early missed chances, Sabbir Islam finally broke the deadlock in the 30th minute, capitalising on a weak clearance by Nepal goalkeeper Ram Bahadur. Opu Rahman and Md Arif struck within a minute of each other shortly after the break, before Bangladesh sealed the rout in the 65th minute through a Mohammad Manik strike.