Bangladesh storm into final in Bangamata Gold Cup

Bangladesh U-19 women’s football team stormed into the final of Bangamata U 19 Women’s International Gold Cup Football tournament beating Mongolia by 3 0 goals in the second semi-final held on Tuesday at Bangabandhu National Stadium (BNS).

Bangladesh will now play the title-deciding final match against Laos scheduled to be held on Saturday (May 4) at the same venue.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to present in the final as the chief guest and distribute the prizes, reports BSS.

Laos, earlier became the first team to ensure their final berth, crushing Kyrgyzstan by 7-1 goals in the first semifinal.

In the day’s match, Bangladesh launched series of attacks in the beginning of the match but lack of proper finishing they failed to convert those into goal.

Bangladesh deprived from a certain goal in the 17th minute when Sanjida’s powerful shot from 35 yards returned to play after hitting the cross bar.

The host were again deprived from another certain goal in the 44th minute as Sajida’s well-judged corner kick was brilliant fisted to out of safety by Mongolian goalie.

Monika Chakma finally broke the deadlock scoring the first goal for Bangladesh in the 45th minute with a powerful volley from about 30 yards giving no chance to Mongolia goalie under the bar (1-0).

After the resumption, Bangladesh continued their domination but failed to increase the goal margin as Marzia’s angular shot in the 52nd minute off a short pass from Tohura from inside the D-box sailed harmlessly over the cross bar.

Marzia however double the lead for Bangladesh in the 67th minute with a shot from the danger zone utilizing a through pass from Monika Chakma (2-0).

Tohura completed the winners’ tally scoring the third goal for Bangladesh in the 85th minute with a placing shot off a pass from Marzia (3-0).

Bangladesh played better football although the proceeding and notched their deserving victory while Mongolia were totally off-colored and failed to produce any real attempt in the match.

Earlier, the girls in red and green made an auspicious start in the tournament as they blanked UAE by 2-0 goals in their group opening match and defeated Kyrgyzstan by 2-1 goals in their group second match to emerge group top.

On the other hand, Mongolia beat Tajikistan by 3-0 goals in their group A opening match but suffered a 0-5 goals defeat in their second group match to finish group runners-up.

The six-nation tournament has begun at BNS on April 22 with the participation of Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Mongolia, Tajikistan, UAE and hosts Bangladesh.