Bhutan Comeback Sends Bangladesh Into SAFF Semis

Bangladesh – (Special Correspondent/Web Desk) – Bangladesh have booked their place in the SAFF semis after Bhutan held Sri Lanka to a 2-2 draw in Group A. The game was played at the National Stadium in Dhaka on Sunday.

The result sends the hosts into the last four. Bangladesh had already beaten Bhutan 1-0 in their opening match, so they now wait for the knockout stage.

Bhutan made the first move. Dawa Tshering put them ahead in the 34th minute.

Sri Lanka replied almost at once. In the 35th minute, a shot from Oliver Kelaart took a deflection and rolled into the net.

Waseem Razeek then made it 2-1 in the 43rd minute. Sri Lanka went into half-time with the lead.

Bhutan did not give up. They won a penalty in the 67th minute, but captain Chencho Gyeltshen missed from the spot.

He made up for it nine minutes later. Gyeltshen found the net in the 76th minute and brought the score level at 2-2.

Sri Lanka pushed for a winner but could not find one. The draw left both teams on one point from two matches.

It was a brave fightback from Bhutan. The goal kept the match tense until the final whistle and gave the Group A table a new shape.

Bangladesh will now face Sri Lanka in their second Group A game on November 11. A draw will be enough to send Sri Lanka into the semi-finals.

Fans will be watching closely to see who joins the hosts in the SAFF semis. With the group still open, the next match looks big for everyone involved.