PHOTO: SAFF

Ronan Sullivan (2nd from L) sprints away in celebration after scoring a stunning free-kick to give Bangladesh the lead in the opening SAFF U-20 Championship fixture against Pakistan in Male yesterday. After a barren first half during which Bangladesh dominated their opposition but failed to find the target, Ronan picked the right spot with a curling 25-yard free-kick in the 54th minute. The Philadelphia Union Academy prodigy, playing his first match for Bangladesh, doubled the lead with a guiding header on a cross from Sheikh Sangram 13 minutes later. “It was amazing. It was great to win. On to the next, we’ve got to beat India and then win it all,” the 18-year-old after the 2-0 victory. Bangladesh will play against India in their final Group B match on Saturday.