Bangladesh went very close to scoring against Palestine for the first time in almost 18 years when Md Sohel Rana shot over to spoil Jamal Bhuiyan and Foysal Ahmed Fahim’s effort in penetrating the defence in the 27th minute during the World Cup qualifier in Kuwait Friday.
Five minutes later, Mitul Marma made a fine save to deny hat-trick man Oday Dabbagh on a one-on-one situation inside the box.
Javier Cabrera’s charges were enjoying some possession won from the opponents who rank 86 places above them in the latest FIFA rankings.
Suddenly, a defensive blunder allowed Dabbagh to break the deadlock in the 43rd minute.
Shehab Qunbar doubled the lead three minutes later from another error on a set-piece.
“The team is still developing, evolving and improving. The first 40 minutes was perhaps one of the best 40 minutes we have had since I’m here,” said Cabrera after the game that his side eventually lost 5-0.
“It’s been quite tough in the end, the result. We were able to be very competitive in the first 40 minutes against a very strong team. We dropped in the end of the first half. We knew that it could happen at some point but we should not have dropped that much at this level.
“I think it was too hard for the team to afford conceding two goals all of a sudden. It was difficult for us to come back. We were completely outplayed by a stronger team. That is the reality.
“Now it’s time to analyze what has happened, try to find out where we can improve and just face the next game, learning from today in order to improve in the next game.”
The Spanish tactician specified that he has to analyze why his side did not have the capacity to continue the same level of performance after 40 minutes, the mistakes, and lack of energy in the second half.
Palestine coach Makram Daboub also admitted in the post-match conference that the men in red and green’s performance in the opening half surprised him and his team.
“The first half of the match was very tough match because we didn’t expect strength showed by the Bangladesh team. They played very well,” said the Tunisian tactician.
Daboub said the two goals before the break gave them confidence towards a big win.
He also expects a “tough match” in Dhaka when Bangladesh will host the return leg fixture Tuesday.
