Substitute goalkeeper Mohammad Asif was the toast of his team-mates by saving two crucial penalties in tie-breaker as Bangladesh reached the final of the SAFF Under-20 Championship with a 4-3 win over India in the second semi-final at the ANFA Complex in Lalitpur, Nepal, on Monday.
Now three-time runners-up Bangladesh will take on the hosts in Wednesday鈥檚 final with an aim to become champion for the first time in this tournament.
Asif, who replaced regular goalkeeper and captain Mehedi Hasan Srabon after the latter had to leave the field due to an injury in the 69th minute, saw three-time champions India make it 1-1 in the 75th minute from a scramble.
But later the keeper turned into Bangladesh鈥檚 hero with two fine saves.
Asif stopped the first penalty from Thanglalsoun Gangte by diving to his right to demoralise the Indians before stopping the fifth penalty from Akash Tirkey.
For Bangladesh, Piash Ahmed Nova, Moinul Islam, Shakil Ahmed Topu, and Ashraful Haque converted all of their spot kicks.
From the start, India launched repeated attacks, but Bangladesh didn鈥檛 lose their composure. They took the lead in the 35th minute through a strike from Asadul Molla after a cross by forward Rabby Hossen Rahul.
In the second half, India鈥檚 attacks became even more intense, but Bangladesh goalkeeper, Srabon, effectively defended them.
However, after he left the field due to an injury, India equalised through captain Ricky Meetei Naobam in the 75th minute.
Srabon sustained the injury after India forward Gwgwmsar Goyary鈥檚 kick hit his face.
Bangladesh coach Maruful Haque was relieved to overcome the Indian hurdle and hoped that the final against Nepal would be a good one.
鈥楪ames against India are always tough as expected. They played mature football and created a lot of chances,鈥� said Maruful in the post-match press conference.
鈥楴epal, of course, will be tough opponents in the final. They are a strong team with talented players. I think, the final will be competitive, and we have chances to be the champions. We are looking forward to the final,鈥� he added.
The coach added that Srabon鈥檚 injury was not as serious as it was, though.
鈥楬e was preparing to have an MRI and some x-rays. As far as I have heard, his condition is not so serious to be concerned.鈥�