KATHMANDU, Aug 18: Defending champion Bangladesh U-15 team started their SAFF U-15 Championship with a 4-0 win against Sri Lanka at the ANFA Complex, Satdobato, on Friday.

Midfielder MD Foysal Ahmed Fahim scored a hattrick while defender Yeasin Arafat bagged a goal for Bangladesh.

Fahim put Bangladesh ahead in the 28th minute and scored the other goals in 32nd and 77th minutes while Arafat scored the team’s third goal in 44th minute.
The Bangladeshi side were rewarded a penalty kick in 77th minute when Sri Lanka’s Rajapaksha brought tackled Arafat in the penalty box.  Sri Lanka were totally concentrating on defense but failed miserably as they conceded three goals in the first half.

Bangladesh will play against Bhutan in the on August 22 at the ANFA Complex while Sri Lanka faces Bhutan on August 20.

Nepal is pitted in Group B with championship favorite India and the Maldives while Group A consists of defending champion Bangladesh, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. Top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals. Nepal will be facing Maldives in August 21 and India in August 23.

 
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