SPORTS REPORTER

Bangladesh’s dream of qualifying for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup finals ended in disappointment as the boys in red and green suffered a 4-0 defeat to favourites China in their final Group A match yesterday -- a loss made heavier by two gifted goals.

Shuai Weihao netted a clinical hattrick before substitute Zhao Songyuan applied the finishing touch, shattering Bangladesh’s hopes of returning to the finals for the first time since 2006.

Having travelled to China with high ambitions, the young Bangladesh side fuelled belief with four consecutive victories -- 5-0 against Timor-Leste, 8-0 against Brunei, 5-0 against Sri Lanka and 2-1 against Bahrain. Those performances raised hopes of a spirited challenge against a dominant Chinese side who entered the final match with four wins and a staggering 38 goals. Yet Bangladesh failed to maintain their momentum when it mattered most.