LAHORE, Aug 8: A goal each by Mansoor Khan and Sher Ali propelled Pakistan to the final of the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) U-16 Championship on Monday after securing a 2-0 win against Bangladesh in the semi-final on a soggy surface of the Kathmandu Stadium, Nepal.

Though the overnight rain had left the pitch damp, Pakistan outclassed Bangladesh familiar to playing on wet surfaces, according to a statement issued here by the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF).

Despite either sides exchanged severe attacks on each other’s goalposts, the first half remained goalless.

Pakistan’s Mansoor first try with collaboration of Mohammad Bilal in the 30th minute went in waste as the ball went out closely from the goalpost.

Bangladesh staged counterattack, but failed to beat the strong defence of Pakistan led by Munir.

However, Pakistan’s Mansoor efforts bore fruits in the last stages of the game when he broke the ice in the 89th minute.

Mansoor struck a 25-yard shot which went over the Bangladeshi keeper into the cage to give Pakistan 1-0 lead. Sher Ali made it 2-0 in the second minute of the injury-time when he dribbled past two defenders to score the second goal.

Pakistan will face the winners of the second semi-final scheduled to be played between India and Nepal.

So far Pakistan are unbeaten in the event.