The month-long hard training did not reflect much in Bangladesh's performance as the Red and Greens suffered a 2-1 defeat against Thai premier league side Osotspa Saraburi FC in their first practice match at the Saraburi Central Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday.
It was substitute forward Shakhawat Hossain Rony who scored the only goal for the visitors from the spot after Narong netted a brace in either halves for the home side.
Bangladesh coach Lodewijk de Kruif admitted they are yet to overcome their weak points. "We have to work on our weaknesses. They are a matured team and we have to deal with that," said the Dutch.
Osotspa head coach Chalemvud, a former Thailand national player who took the charge of the club two months earlier, said the Bangladeshi players were very good in their movement and tactics, but the problem lied in the striking zone.
However, Bangladesh missed the service of their skipper and two vital players, midfielder Mamunul Islam Mamun and fast winger Zahid Hossain, in the match due to injury. German expatriate Reasat Khaton also missed out for injury.
Meanwhile, the strong club side consisted of five Thai national team footballers along with six foreign recruits, three from Japan and the others from Africa.
Lodewijk opted for Wahed and Emily upfront with Jamal, Sohel and Mithun in the midfield. Mamun Khan started in front of the goal with Arif, Nasir, Linkon and Waly taking responsibilities in the back line.
Mobarak created the first real opportunity for Wahed, but the Mohammedan star failed to capitalise despite getting the opponent goalie in a one-on-one situation. The young striker was again denied a goal as his header on target was cleared by defender Yamamoto.
Osotspa took the lead in the 24th minute with Narong scoring from a counter attack while a powerful strike from him inside the penalty zone doubled the margin in the 68th minute.
Bangladesh were rewarded a penalty five minutes from the stipulated time after Toklis was brought down inside the box by an opponent defender. Rony, who replaced Emily in the second-half, made no mistake in converting the spot kick.
Bangladesh will play their second and last practice match on August 3.
Starting XI: Mamun Khan (GK), Arif, Nasir, Linkon, Waly, Sohel, Jamal, Wahed, Mithun, Mobarak and Emily. Subs: Sohel (GK), Kasto, Reza, Meshu, Babu, Toklis, Rony. 1
