Bhola ended their two matches with maximum six points after defeating hosts Natore 1-0 in the Group B opener.

Natore and Nilphamari meet in the last group match, which is of academic interest.

Bhola came alive early with national striker Rokonuzzaman Kanchan opening the scoring after six minutes. His former national strike partner Shahajuddin Tipu, who has rediscovered his scoring touch in the tournament, doubled the lead seven minutes later. Tipu was also adjudged man-of-the-match.

Julfikar Ali Johnny gave Bhola a 3-0 cushion in the 35th minute while Shafiqul Islam reduced the arrears for Nilphamari four minutes after the breather.

Bhola however, saw four of their players cautioned including stars like national number one custodian Aminul, Masud Rana and Kanchan.

In the other match at the same venue, Narayanganj defeated Naogaon 3-1 to brighten their semifinal hopes.

They now share the lead in Group D with Dhaka University but are placed atop by virtue of having a better goal difference.

Narayanganj require only a draw to reach the last four when the two sides meet tomorrow.

Forward Mehdi Hassan Topu shot Narayanganj ahead in the 20th minute while winger Abdullah Parvez made it 2-0 in the 37th minute.

Enamul pulled one back for Naogaon but defender Pradip Kumar Montu, adjudged man-of-the-match, made the game safe for Narayanganj nine minutes from time.

Naogaon, who bowed out without collecting any points from the final round, lost 3-2 to star-studded Dhaka University in their last match.

Holders Noakhali and Dhaka will meet in today's Group A decider while Bangladesh Army and Chittagong will fight it out in Group C for a place in the semis.