The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Come from behind, Bangladesh played to a face-saving 2-2 draw with emerging-force Afghanistan in their second Group-B match of the 5th SAFF Championship at the Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday.

With the second consecutive draw, Bangladesh have to beat hosts Sri Lanka in the last group match on Sunday (June 8) to book their semi-final berth.

In the day's match, Bangladesh went down 0-2 during the first half.

After a frustrating result in the first half, striker Zahid Hasan Emily came to rescue Bangladesh scoring the team's first goal at the 52nd minute from a penalty.

Mamunur Islam Mamun relieved Bangladesh tent by scoring the match-equalizer at the 69th minute, capitalizing on a corner kick.

Bangladesh, which made a frustrating start in the eight-team SAFF championship playing one-all draw with lowly Bhutan in the group opener, will now play hosts Sri Lanka in the last group match on Sunday (June 8) at 8:pm (BST) at the same venue.

Earlier on the previous three occasions, Bangladesh drew 2-2 with Afghanistan in the first match and beat the Afghans by 4-1 goals in the Continental Qualifiers in Dhaka (1979). They played to a goalless draw with Afghanistan in the AFC Challenge Cup Qualifier in Kyrgyzstan in May this year.