Bangladesh will play against India in Football semi-final

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Semifinal 1: Afghanistan Vs Maldives
Semifinal 2: Bangladesh Vs India

Bangladesh made a date with India in the first semifinal of the SA Games football defeating Maldives 1-0 in the last match of group A at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Wednesday 03 February 2010.

Midfielder Jahid Hossain netted the all important goal in the 44th minute of the match. Both the teams were ensured of a semifinal berth before taking the field and the match completed the formalities of the group championship and the runners up. Bangladesh with three consecutive wins emerged as the champions and will face group B runners up India on Friday. Maldives who won their two previous matches to finish runners up will lock horns with group B champions Afghanistan in the second semifinal also on Friday.

Bangladesh rested their reliable names Aminul, Enamul and Emily while Maldives picking up the same strategy to provide rest to the regular numbers kept Ashfaq Ali, Nasser Mukhtar and Umar Mohammed in the dressing room.

Bangladesh’s intention was clear from the very beginning as the players enjoyed the tense free situation. The speedy movements along both the flanks and prompt counter attacks through the midfield presented the spectators a competitive edge. Midfielder Imtaiz Sultan Jitu drew the first blood in the 5th minute but his fierce drive from the middle of the box sailed over the crosspiece.

Bangladesh’s attacking approach cornered the Maldives into their own zone and the hosts kept exploring in quest of goal. Defender Mintu Sheikh curved a free kick from 20 yards in the 22nd but Maldives custodian Athif Ahmed’s sharp eyes enabled him to punch it away for a corner.

Three minutes later Maldives defender Nafiu Ali saved his team from conceding a goal. Defender Rezaul Karim stabbed a head off a Mishu corner but vigilant Nafiu standing in the left side post cleared the ball to safety.

Bangladesh broke the deadlock through the brilliance of midfielder Jahid Hossain. The dashing midfielder in his first appearance of the competition dribbled past three defenders deep into the box in the 45th minute and sensing the acute angle to unleash a shot shaped a delicate chip in the far post of Athif.

Bangladsh continued the onslaught after the change of ends but Maldives defence provided a stiff challenge. Forward Mithun Chowdhury came close to the second strike in the 65th and 70th minutes. However his feeble headwork landed in the hands of Athif on the first occasion and his fierce drive was punched by Athif on the second.

In the first match of the day I-league outfit Shilong Lajong forward Anil Gurung fired a brace helping Nepal register a 2-0 consolation victory over Bhutan. Anil scored in the either half of the match presenting Nepal the first victory of the meet. His 35th minute strike was a result of a solo effort while the second one came in the 73rd minute off a clinical finishing after a combined attack

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