Bangladesh U-15 boys lost to favourite Cyprus 4-0 in the inaugural match of the Uefa-funded four-nation football tournament at Chang Arena Stadium in Buriram in Thailand Monday.
The boys in red and green managed to hold their fort for quite some time in the opening half where they conceded only one goal from a penalty, but the Cyprus forwards proved too much in the last half-hour.
Bangladesh will play against other favourite in host Thailand in their second match Wednesday, before concluding their campaign against Maldives Friday.
Cyprus took the lead from a harsh penalty in the 17th minute after defender Rabiul Alam brought down Cyprus forward Andreas Chrysostomou.
Captain Ilias Kostis made no mistake converting from the spot.
Bangladesh U-15 boys team will face European side Cyprus in their opening match of the Uefa funded four-nation football tournament in Thailand Monday.https://t.co/RAPb8LrP2q#FOOTBALL #BANGLADESH #BANGLADESHFOOTBALL #BFF #BANGLADESHFOOTBALLFEDERATION #FOOTBALLFEDERATION #UEFA
— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) December 9, 2018
Cyprus doubled the lead in the 67th minute after Marios Kokkinoftas placed home from a crowded defence following a corner.
Angelos Zefki and Chrysostomou scored one apiece in the 70th and 91st minute respectively to seal the win.
Head coach Mostafa Anwar Parvez Babu said after the game that it was a learning experience for his young booters despite the defeat.
“We lost the game but the players learned many things. We need more such matches for further development of our boys,” said Babu.
Parvez added, “Cyprus are ahead of us, both technically and physically. Our players never played against such teams, they didn’t have idea about the playing style of the European teams. They tried but conceded the goals due to some silly mistakes.”
Bangladesh Xl: Mitul Marma; Kamran Uddin Raju, Helal Ahmed, Rabiul Alam, Rostom Islam; Rajon Howladar, Mohammad Mahedi Hasan, Rasel Ahmed, Ashikur Rahman, Maruf Ahmed Mughdho; Nihat Jamal Ucchash. Subs: Raja Ansari, Ibne Ahad Sakil, Nazmul Ahmed and Al Amin
RESULT
Bangladesh U-15 0 4 Cyprus U-15 (Ilias 17-P, Marios 67, Zefki 70, Chrysostomou 91)
