Bangladesh got off to a flying start in the three-nation tournament in Nepal as they beat Kyrgyzstan under-23 side by a solitary goal in the opening match at Dasarath Stadium of Kathmandu on Tuesday.
The much higher ranked side, albeit an age-level team, dominated most of the game but Bangladesh looked solid in defence and clinched the victory thank to an own goal.
Saad Uddin, one of the most agile wingers of Bangladesh, overlapped in the thirty minute to fire a powerful low cross before Kyrgyz defender Kumarbaj Ullu Bayaman tried to clear it. Unfortunately for the latter, the ball changed its course and defeated the goalkeeper to be slotted inside the net.
The Kyrgyz side got a glorious opportunity to instantly bring an equalizer but Bangladesh’s custodian Anisur Rahman Zico made a valiant save in the 32nd minute to salvage the lead.
Despite majority of the ball possession with better speed and attacking intentions Kyrgyz side failed to breach Bangladesh defence and they were lucky not to concede a penalty when Bangladesh skipper Sohel Rana’s shot hit the hand of one of their defenders inside the penalty box in the 17th minute. Habibur Rahman’s free kick was saved by Kyrgyz goalkeeper four minutes earlier.
After the half time break Bangladesh coach Jamie Day utilized all five of his substitutions, an opportunity approved by FIFA since the inception of Covid-19 pandemic, and the side looked more determined to keep a clean sheet.
With the presence of Jamal Bhuiyan, who came from bench in the second half along with the likes of Rakib Hossain, Riyadul Ahsan Rafi, Manik Molla and Yeasin Arafat, the side looked more energetic and assured that helped them bagging a confidence boosting win away from home.
Bangladesh playing XI: Anisur Rahman Zico, Mehedi Hasan (Manik Molla), Rimon Hossain, Tutul Hossain Badshah, Mashuk Mia Jony (Jamal Bhuiyan), Biplu Ahmed (Rakib Hossain), Motin Mia, Sohel Rana, Bishwanath Ghosh (Yeasin Arafat), Habibur Rahman Sohag (RIyadul Hasan) and Saad Uddin.
