Bangladesh Crush Sri Lanka 4-0 to Seal SAFF Semifinal Spot Against Pakistan
Bangladesh booked their place in the SAFF Championship semifinals in emphatic fashion, cruising to a 4-0 victory over Sri Lanka to finish top of Group A. They will now face Pakistan in the last four.
Goals from Shamit Shome, Hamza Choudhury, Farhan Ali Wahed and Rakib Hossain sealed a commanding victory for Bangladesh. The result also ended Sri Lanka’s campaign, while Bhutan progressed to the semifinals on goal difference despite finishing with the same number of points.
Bangladesh made an aggressive start and took the lead in the eighth minute. Hamza delivered a cross into the penalty area, and although Shamit’s initial effort was kept out, the midfielder reacted quickly to convert the rebound.
The hosts continued to create chances, with Rakib Hossain causing problems down the right flank. His attempted backheel in the 25th minute narrowly cleared the crossbar, while Hamza also came close with a powerful effort.
Sri Lanka had a promising opportunity to level the score in the 40th minute when Dylan de Silva sent in a cross, but Gareth Kelly failed to make contact inside the box.
Bangladesh capitalized just before the interval. In the 44th minute, Hamza collected the ball following an attacking move involving Ibrahim and fired a powerful shot past goalkeeper Sujan Perera to give the hosts a two-goal cushion.
The visitors struggled to contain Bangladesh after the break, and Farhan Ali Wahed extended the advantage in the 53rd minute. Receiving a pass from Shamit, the forward weaved past several Sri Lankan defenders before finishing brilliantly to make it 3-0.
Bangladesh continued to threaten, with Shuki Itofusa and Faisal Ahmed Fahim both missing opportunities to add to the tally.
The fourth goal arrived in the 86th minute. Shamit produced another assist, releasing Rakib down the right wing. The forward carried the ball into the box before lifting a delicate chip over the advancing goalkeeper to complete the rout.
Sri Lanka attempted to find a consolation goal in stoppage time, but Bangladesh goalkeeper Mohammad Hridoy denied their late efforts.
Hamza, who captained Bangladesh for the match, scored his fifth goal for the national team. Shamit also registered his second international goal, while Farhan found the net on home soil for the first time.
The comprehensive victory confirmed Bangladesh’s position at the top of Group A and set up a semifinal showdown with Pakistan as they continue their pursuit of the SAFF Championship title.
