SAFF U20 Championship 2024 Final: Bangladesh vs Nepal - A Clash of Titans

ban vs nepal match picture

On August 28, 2024, hosts Nepal will take on Bangladesh in a highly anticipated final at the ANFA Complex in Lalitpur, Nepal, as the SAFF U20 Championship reaches its climax. The match kicks off at 5:15 PM IST and will be streamed live in India.

Bangladesh, under the guidance of head coach Maruful Haque, are determined to secure their first-ever SAFF U20 Championship title after finishing as runners-up in the 2017, 2019, and 2022 editions. The Bengal Tigers booked their place in the final with a thrilling victory over defending champions India, triumphing 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular time. Key to their success was substitute goalkeeper Mohammed Asif, who made two crucial saves during the shootout.

Earlier in the tournament, Bangladesh began with a solid 2-0 win over Sri Lanka but faced a setback in a 1-2 defeat against Nepal, finishing second in Group A with three points.

Nepal, on the other hand, have been one of the dominant teams in the championship. They secured their place in the final by defeating Bhutan 4-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. The hosts finished at the top of Group A with six points, courtesy of victories over Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

As the second most successful team in SAFF U20 Championship history with two titles, Nepal will look to capitalize on home advantage and add a third title to their collection. Meanwhile, Bangladesh will be eager to turn the tables on their group-stage defeat and claim their first title.

**Where to Watch**

Fans can catch the live action of the Nepal vs Bangladesh final on Sportzworkz’s YouTube Channel, as there will be no television broadcast in India.

**Team Lineups**

*Nepal U20 Squad:*

- **Goalkeepers:** Jiyarath Sheikh, Krishal Moktan, Bishal KC

- **Defenders:** Simanta Thapa, Ashwin Ghorasaini, Bikram Tamang, Ayush Timsina, Madan Paudel, Ram Thapa, Samin Ghimire, Ninsang Limbu

- **Midfielders:** Kushal Deuba, Avinash Syangtan, Jana Prakash Bam, Lachu Thapa, Niraj Karki, Harish Raj Bhatta, Dharbendar Kunwar, Anil Bamjan

- **Forwards:** Samir Tamang, Nirajan Dhami, Rohan Khadgi, Saroj Darlami

*Bangladesh U20 Squad:*

- **Goalkeepers:** Mehdi Hasan Srabon, Md. Asif Bhuiyan, Ismail Hossain Mahin

- **Defenders:** Md. Imran Khan, Azizul Haque Ananto, Shakil Ahad Topu, Rostom Islam Dukhu Mia, Md. Rajib Hossain, Parvej Ahmed, Kamacai Marma Aky

- **Midfielders:** Asadul Islam Sakib, Chandon Roy, Ashraful Haque Asif, Mohsen Ahmed, Iftiar Hossain, Hossain Mohammad Arian, Asadul Molla

- **Forwards:** Md Rabby Hossain Rahul, Razu Ahmed Zisan, Mirazul Islam, Piash Ahmed Nova, Moinul Islam Moin

The stage is set for an exciting final, with both teams eager to etch their names in history.