Sylhet: Hosts Bangladesh emerged Group A champion with all-win record to reach the semifinal of the six-nation SAFF U-16 Championship beating holders India by 2-1 goals in the last group match at the Sylhet Stadium here on Thursday.

Skipper Mohammad Shawon and Mohammad Atiquzzaman Atiq scored for Bangladesh, one in each half, while Rahim Ali netted the lone goal for defending champions India in the 2^nd half.

Atiq scored the match-winning goal for the home side in the 84^th minute from a penalty. Bangladesh got the spot kick when an Indian defender brought down onrushing Bangladeshi forward Sarwar Zaman Nipu in the danger zone.

Earlier, Bangladesh confirmed the semifinal berth from Group A with one match to spare eliminating all-losers Sri Lanka by 4-0 goals in their first match on Tuesday. India also assured the semifinal berth from the same group beating Sri Lanka by 5-0 goals in the tournament opener last Sunday.

In the semifinals on Sunday (Aug 16), Bangladesh will play Group B runners-up, either Nepal or Afghanistan, at 3pm while India will face Group B champions (Nepal/Afghanistan) at 6pm at the same venue.

Nepal will battle against Afghanistan tomorrow (Friday) at 5pm at the same venue to decide the Group B champion.