Bangladesh started their 2016 AFC Under-16 Championship qualification round on a losing note as they lost 5-1 at home to Saudi Arabia yesterday.
Despite going ahead 1-0 in the 28th minute, courtesy a brilliant finish from Sarwar Zaman Nipu, defending Saff U-16 champions Bangladesh conceded the tie at Bangabandhu National Stadium in the face of some relentless attacks by the Saudi forward line.
The middle eastern nation soon brought parity through Almas Naif Musa six minutes before the half-time whistle.
Things turned worse for the home side in the 49th minute when goalkeeper Faysal Ahmed received his marching orders for an illegal tackle in an one-on-one situation.
The Saudis made the extra man count as striker Abrikan Tarik gave the visitors the lead in the very next minute while Mali soon grabbed the third to make it 3-1.
Alduwayhi Abdul Aziz Sulaiman and Alabdan Hamad Abdan then bagged one each to complete the rout.
Syed Golam Jilani’s charges will face the United Arab Emirates in their second and final qualifier at BNS tomorrow while yesterday’s victor will take on the Emiratis this Sunday at the same venue.
