Bangladesh failed to qualify for the finals of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2025 after they lost 3-2 to Afghanistan in their final Group B match of the qualifiers at the Prince Stadium in Phnom Penh on Sunday.聽
With the win, Afghanistan emerged as the five-team group champions to confirm their place in the finals of the tournament to be held in Saudi Arabia, where 10 group winners and the five best runners-up from the qualifiers will compete.
Midfielder Mithu Chowdhury gave Bangladesh the lead in the sixth minute before Afghanistan midfielder Yaser Safi equalised in the 30th minute.聽
Bangladesh went to break with a 2-1 lead, with forward Mursed Ali scoring in the first minute of stoppage time.
Saiful Bari Titu鈥檚 charges held their nerves until Afghan super subs Milad Noori and Arash Ahmadi shattered their hopes.聽
Milad made it 2-2 in the 64th minute before Arash scored the match winner in the 70th minute to propel them on top of the table with 12 points from four games.
Bangladesh completed their campaign with six points from four games to place third behind Philippines in the five-team table.
Bangladesh earlier lost 1-0 to Cambodia before earning the same margin win over the Philippines and crushing Macau 7-0 in the other game.聽
Afghanistan defeated the Philippines 8-0, Macau 9-0, and Cambodia 3-1 in their other games.