Bangladesh U15 boys registered their first point in the Uefa-funded four-nation football tournament after playing out a 1-1 draw against host Thailand in their second match at Chang Arena in Buriram, Thailand Wednesday.
The home side were the stronger team on paper, and largely dominated the game, but Bangladesh enjoyed more possession in the opening half, where Mohammad Ashikur Rahman gave the visitor the lead first.
Ashikur headed home from the middle of the box following a long cross of Ibne Ahad Sakil from the right flank in the 34th minute.
The delight didn’t last long however, as Chonnapat Buaphan equalised for the host in the 45th minute.
Nazmul Ahmed Shakil was the one of two changes made by head coach Mostafa Anwer Parvez Babu from the Cyprus defeat.
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.https://t.co/2bE0AHwUHv#UEFA #FOOTBALL #BANGLADESH #BANGLADESHFOOTBALL #BFF #CYPRUS #U15FOOTBALLTEAM
— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) December 10, 2018
Rajon Howladar and Maruf Ahmed Mugdho made way for Ahad and Shakil.
“Thailand are far ahead of us in ranking and squad depth. But we put pressure from the beginning and scored a goal, after that, they started pressing us. It was an enjoyable game. The players learned a lot,” said Parvez after the game.
Bangladesh will conclude their campaign against Maldives at the same venue Friday.
Maldives conceded a 11-0 defeat against Thailand in their opening game.
RESULT
Thailand U-15 1 (Buaphan 45) 1 Bangladesh U-15 (Ashikur 34)
FRIDAY'S MATCH
Bangladesh U-15 v Maldives U-15
