Rifat hattrick fires Bangladesh into SAFF U-17 semifinals

Forward Rifat Kazi struck a hattrick as Bangladesh thrashed Sri Lanka 4-0 in their final Group A match of the SAFF U-17 Championship at the Racecourse International Stadium in Colombo on Sunday.

With the win, their second in as many matches, two-time champions Bangladesh topped Group A and confirmed a semifinal clash against the runners-up of Group B -- either India or Pakistan, who meet in their final group game on Monday.

Golam Rabbani Choton's charges needed only a draw against winless Sri Lanka to reach the last four but delivered another commanding display, following up their 4-0 victory over Nepal with the same scoreline.

From the outset, the men in red and green dominated possession, keeping play largely in Sri Lanka's half as the hosts struggled to contain the relentless Bangladeshi attack.

Bangladesh broke the deadlock in the 18th minute when Nazmul Huda Faisal pounced on a weak effort from Sri Lanka goalkeeper Shaathin SM Kathafi. Although the keeper blocked Faisal's shot, Md Arif was on hand to tap in from close range.

Bangladesh came close to doubling the lead in the 37th minute as Md Manik's header, off a chip from Faisal, rattled the crossbar. Rifat Kazi also missed narrowly on the stroke of halftime.

Three minutes into the second half, Rifat finally got his reward, racing into the box from the right to fire a low drive past Kathafi despite the keeper getting a hand to it.

In the 64th minute, Rifat doubled his tally, firing home a rebound after Sabbir Islam's effort from distance was parried away. The forward then completed his treble in the 88th minute with a composed finish inside the box, controlling a lofted pass from captain Nazmul before slotting it into the net.

Bangladesh will now look to carry their momentum into the semifinals as they chase a third SAFF U-17 title.