Bangladesh produced another brilliant performance in the SAFF U-17 Championship with a 4-0 victory over hosts Sri Lanka at Race Course Ground on 18 September 2025. After defeating Nepal 4-0 in their opening match, Rifat Kazi scored a hat-trick while captain Faysal impressed in a dominant display. The young Bangladesh side showed once again why they are among the favourites to lift the trophy this year.
The game began with Sri Lanka full of energy as they pressed high up the pitch, hoping to unsettle Bangladesh. The hosts committed numbers forward, but that left open spaces for Bangladesh to exploit. Calm in possession and quick in transition, the visitors absorbed the early pressure and began creating clear chances.
The breakthrough arrived in the 18th minute when captain Faysal’s powerful effort was saved by Sri Lankan goalkeeper Kathafi, but Md Arif reacted sharply to slot in the rebound. Bangladesh could have doubled the lead soon after when Faysal’s header in the 24th minute was blocked by a defender on the line.
The second goal came early in the second half. In the 48th minute, a swift counter-attack ended with Rifat Kazi finding the net to give Bangladesh breathing space. By then, Bangladesh were fully in control, moving the ball with confidence and forcing Sri Lanka to chase shadows.
Faysal continued to dictate play with his vision and creativity. In the 63rd minute, Riduan overlapped brilliantly down the left and squared the ball into the box. Faysal’s first shot was denied by Kathafi, and Bayzit Bostami fired the rebound narrowly wide. But just a minute later, another long-range attempt from Sabbir forced a save, and this time Rifat Kazi was perfectly placed to score his second of the match.
The final blow came in the 88th minute. Faysal floated a clever overhead pass into space, and Rifat Kazi pounced on the opportunity. With Kathafi caught out of position, the striker calmly finished to complete his hat-trick and seal a 4-0 win.
Bangladesh impressed throughout the match with their calm approach and balanced football. They controlled possession while also mixing in long balls to stretch the field. Defensively, the backline was solid and barely allowed Sri Lanka a clear chance.
Riduan caught the eye with his adventurous fullback play, dribbling, overlapping runs, and precise deliveries into the box. Captain Faysal showed strong leadership and vision, while hat-trick hero Rifat Kazi displayed sharp positioning and composure in front of goal.
Two consecutive 4-0 victories have sent a clear message. Bangladesh are not just participants in this year’s SAFF U-17 Championship, they are a team ready to challenge for the title.
