Forward Mirajul Islam delivered a stellar performance, scoring twice and assisting another, as Bangladesh lifted their maiden SAFF Under-20 Championship title with a commanding 4-1 win over hosts Nepal in the final at the ANFA Complex in Lalitpur on Wednesday.
The victory also served as sweet revenge for Maruful Haque鈥檚 charges, who had suffered a 2-1 defeat to Nepal in the group stages.
The Bangladesh number 10 broke the deadlock in stoppage time of the first-half with a stunning free-kick before heading home from close range nine minutes into the second half to double the lead.
Rabby Hossen Rahul then extended the lead in the 70th minute with a curling strike from inside the box, set up by Mirajul, who weaved his way through Nepal鈥檚 defence with some impressive footwork.
Although Nepal managed to pull one back through forward Samir Tamang in the 80th minute, Piash Ahmed Nova鈥檚 goal in stoppage time sealed an emphatic win for Bangladesh.
Maruful dedicated the trophy to the martyrs, whose sacrifices led to the ousting of the Awami League government on August 5.
鈥極n behalf of the team, I dedicate the triumph to all who gave their lives throughout the month-long movement. I am pleased that the players were able to replicate their ability to play passing game in the final,鈥� Maruful stated in the post-match press conference.
鈥榃e have several players who are technically and tactically very sound. They have done a great job today.鈥�
Mirajul鈥檚 clinical finishing saw him top the tournament鈥檚 scoring chart with four goals as well as win the player of the tournament award, while Bangladesh custodian Mohammad Asif was adjudged goalkeeper of the competition.
Asif became Bangladesh鈥檚 hero when he came on as a substitute in place of regular keeper Mehedi Hasan Srabon, who got injured, in the semi-final against India and saved two crucial penalties in their 4-3 win in tie-breaker.
鈥榃e all, including me, cried when we lost to India in the last edition鈥檚 final. But to be honest, I was not focusing on finishing as the top scorer before going to the ground today. My target was to put my team ahead, so when I scored from the free-kick I got overwhelmed,鈥� said 17-year old Mirajul after the final.
Bangladesh, who finished runners-up three times before, began their campaign with a 2-0 win over Sri Lanka before losing to Nepal to finish second in Group A.
On the other hand, two-time champions Nepal reached the final unbeaten after their 4-1 semi-final win over Bhutan on penalties. They beat Sri Lanka 1-0 in their other group match.