Bhutan hammered Sri Lanka 6-0 to secure a semi-final berth in the Saff Under-15 Championship at the Anfa Complex in Satdobato on Sunday.

Bangladesh, who had beaten Sri Lanka 4-0 in the tournament opener on Friday, also joined Bhutan in the last four from Group ‘A’. Sri Lanka became the first team to crash out of the tournament after second defeat in the three-team group. Bhutan and Bangladesh will clash on Tuesday to determine the group winners.

 The academy team of Bhutan were on the offense from the start and were 5-0 up by the interval. Dorji Khando and Kelzang Jigmi struck twice each in the first half. Bhutan coach Songjun Lee expressed satisfaction over his side’s performance. “My boys played really well,” said the Japanese national, who was cautious for their next fixture. “I think the game against Bangladesh will be tough.” His Sri Lankan counterpart and countryman Suzuki Chikashi lamented on the short preparation time for the tournament. “We trained together for just two weeks before coming here,” said Chikashi.

Bhutan made their intention clear as early as in the ninth minute after Khando put the into the net before the striker doubled their advantage in the 24th minute. Kinga Wangchuk made it 3-0 in the 31st and Jigmi struck a brace in the late in the first half. Jigmi found target in the 43rd an before going into break with 5-0 lead with another goal in the stoppage time. Siddhartha Gurung completed Bhutan’s rout of Sri Lank with a 90th minute goal.

Nepal take on Maldives today

KATHMANDU: Nepal will take on Maldives in their first Group ‘B’ match of the Saff U-15 Championship on Monday. A victory over Maldives will secure Nepal’s place in the semi-finals. As Maldives had suffered a 9-0 defeat against India on Saturday, their second loss over the hosts will send them home early. But a draw or win for Maldives meant all three teams will still remain in contention for the last four place.

Nepal have vowed not to take Maldives lightly irrespective. “As our aim is to top group and qualify for next round, we will come up with full strength against Maldives,” Nepal’s coach Sunil Shrestha said. “We have watched Maldives play against India. They seemed to be comparatively weaker side given the outcome in the first match,” added Shrestha. (PR)