Bangladesh fought bravely and were on course for their second draw in eight meetings against Palestine only to be denied by a last-gasp winner as the war-torn Arab nation ran out 1-0 victors in Tuesday’s World Cup qualifying match in the capital’s Kings Arena.
After the goalless 90 minutes, Michel Milad Ziad Termanini scored in the fourth minute of time added on to break the hearts of the weekday crowd at the home of Bangladesh Premier League champions Bashundhara Kings.
In the process, Bangladesh’s unbeaten run at Kings Arena came to an end after victory over the Maldives and draws against Afghanistan and Lebanon.
Following matchday four of the second round of the Asia qualifiers, the men in red and green find themselves at the bottom of Group I with three losses and a solitary point earned against Lebanon.
Lebanon are second from bottom with two points while Palestine are second with seven points, five behind powerhouses Australia who have maximum points from four games.
Bangladesh have two more matches remaining in Group I with the Socceroos visiting on June 6 before the away trip to Lebanon five days later.
The Bengal Tigers will rightly ponder what might have been.
Right on the stroke of the first half whistle, a defence splitting through pass from captain Jamal Bhuiyan put Foysal Ahmed Fahim on a one-on-one with Palestine goalkeeper Rani Hamadeh but the forward squandered the opportunity despite drifting past two defenders to collect the ball.
It was substitute goalkeeper Mehedi Hasan Srabon who conceded the winner after Mitul Marma got injured and stretchered off in the 84th minute following a fine display.
Once again favored over Anisur Rahman Zico, Mitul was in inspired form, producing outstanding saves throughout the game before his unfortunate injury.
Bangladesh head coach Javier Cabrera made two changes to the side that lost 5-0 to the same opponents at neutral venue Kuwait City last Thursday.
Sohel Rana returned from suspension and replaced his namesake Mohammad Sohel Rana in midfield while Isa Faysal made way for Shakil Hossain in defence.
Saad Uddin was stationed at left back in Faysal’s absence while Shakil slotted in at the heart of defence alongside Topu Barman with Bishwanath Ghosh at right back.
Jamal, Mohammad Ridoy, Sohel and Mojibur Rahman Jony made up the midfield with Rakib Hossain and Foysal upfront and Mitul between the sticks.
RESULT
Bangladesh 0 Palestine 1 (Milad 90+4)
Bangladesh XI: Mitul Marma (Mehedi Hasan Srabon 84), Bishwanath Ghosh, Topu Barman, Shakil Hossain, Saad Uddin, Mohammad Ridoy, Mojibur Rahman Jony (Isa Faysal 89), Sohel Rana, Jamal Bhuiyan (Mohammad Sohel Rana 70), Rakib Hossain, Foysal Ahmed Fahim (Rafiqul Islam 70)
