Nabib Newaj Jibon netted a brace as Bangladesh warmed up for their tough 2022 World Cup qualifying fixtures on a bright note, clinching a dominating 4-1 win over Bhutan in the first of two international friendlies on the muddy pitch of Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka Sunday evening.
Jibon found the back of the net after more than three years early in the game before scoring his second before half-time, while one each from Biplo Ahmed and substitute Rabiul Hasan in the second half made the visitor no match for the home team, despite being placed three spots above the host in the latest Fifa ranking.
Young center-back Riyadul Hasan Rafi made his starting XI debut for the national team in place of the injured Tutul Hossain Badshah, which was the only change in Jamie Day’s side from the previous game where they lost 1-0 against Afghanistan.
Day also made some positional changes in the attacking front as striker-turned-midfielder Jibon started behind the forward, Saad Uddin, while Biplo switched to the left wing and Mohammad Ibrahim on the right.
Jibon, who used to play in the same No 9 position for Abahani Limited last season, looked threatening from the beginning and took only 12 minutes to head home a cross of Jamal Bhuiyan to break the deadlock.
Bangladesh are eager to claim wins in the two preparation matches against Bhutan, and boost their confidence ahead of the 2022 World Cup and 2023 Asian Cup qualifiers against Qatar and India.https://t.co/Xn6UpDZR1K#BANGLADESH #BHUTAN #FOOTBALL #BFF #BANGLADESHFOOTBALL #WORLDCUP
— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) September 28, 2019
The home side looked sharper in the attacking third after the half hour mark as Yeasin Khan’s header from another Jamal free-kick was saved by Bhutan goalkeeper Ngawng Jamphel, before Jibon dribbled past one at the edge of the box, but his effort deflected away.
Jibon’s second goal in the 38th minute was even better as his powerful side volley from inside the six-yard box following a precise Ibrahim cross gave Jamphel no chance.
The visitor pulled one back six minutes into the second half when Den Dorji fired into the net after his teammate headed down a free-kick from Tshering Dorji.
Youngster Rabiul Hasan made immediate impact after coming off the bench in the second half replacing Ibrahim as his brilliant effort followed by Sohel Rana cross was tipped away by the keeper at the hour mark.
Biplo extended the lead in the 74th minute after a dangerous run by Sohel inside the box was blocked.
Abahani Limited’s striker enjoyed his best season this year becoming the top scorer among the local players while enjoying his new playing role of No 10.https://t.co/GsuWP0cq8q#ABAHANI #ABAHANILIMITED #BFF #FOOTBALL #BANGLADESH #BANGLADESHFOOTBALL #LIMITED #JIBON #NABIB #NEWAJ
— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) September 27, 2019
A brilliant left-footed finish by Rabiul following a Biplo pass made it 4-1 in the 81st minute.
Bhutan coach Pema Dorji blamed the muddy condition of the pitch for the big defeat as he said that they are used to playing on artificial turf back home.
Dorji also said even Qatar have the chance of losing but Day made a humorous reply, “I don’t think they will lose but it will make it tougher.”
Bangladesh will host Bhutan in the second friendly at the same venue Thursday.
RESULT
BANGLADESH 4 (Jibon 12, 38, Biplo 74, Rabiul 81) 1 NEPAL (Dorji 51)
Bangladesh XI: Ashraful Islam Rana; Bishwanath Ghosh, Rahmat Mia, Yeasin Khan, Riyadul Hasan; Jamal Bhuiyan, Sohel Rana; Biplo Ahmed, Mohammad Ibrahim (Rabiul Hasan), Nabib Newaj Jibon (Mahbubur Rahman Sufil); Saad Uddin.
