Miraj: I never thought to be top scorer

Mirajul Islam had scored four goals, including a hat-trick against the Maldives, during the last SAFF Under-20 Men’s Championship held in Bhubaneswar, India in 2022 but his side lost to the hosts in the final in extra-time.

The 17-year old center forward also netted the same number of goals (four), including two in Wednesday’s final, but this time Bangladesh came out as champions with a dominating 4-1 win over the hosts Nepal.

“I was in the last SAFF U-20 Championship. I didn’t imagine we would lose to India so I cried a lot after losing the final. I can’t believe we have become champions this time,” said Miraj after winning the title.

Miraj also ended up with two individual trophies – most valuable player of the tournament and highest scorer of the competition with four goals - along with the team’s maiden SAFF U-20 Championship title.

He added: “I never thought of being top scorer. I tried to take my team ahead. I can’t believe I scored from set piece. I didn’t do it, God gave me this goal, otherwise, it wouldn’t be possible.”

Miraj scored one against Sri Lanka during the 2-0 win in their tournament opener and added another against Nepal after coming on as substitute in the next tie.

In the final, the first one of the two goals Miraj netted was a delight to watch.

The piercing free-kick from around 20 yards out found its way home into the top corner giving the Nepalese goalkeeper no chance.