Also read: Bangladesh U23s begin with crushing defeat
Along with Sohel, former national forward Toklis Ahmed, winger Didarul Alam and defender Mohammad Khalekuzzaman replaced Saad Uddin, Hemanta Vincent Biswas, Jafar Iqbal and Monjurur Rahman in the playing XI respectively. The young Bengal Tigers enjoyed a bright display in the opening half where they seemed solid at the back to resist quick attacks from the Tajiks, including a lovely clearance from the goal-line by Didarul in the 23rd minute. Sohel broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute with a timely finish. A shot from just outside the box was deflected off a defender before Sohel tapped home from two yards at the far post. The Tajiks started putting pressure for the equaliser soon after resumption as Safarov made it all square in the 55th minute. Nozim disappointed Bangladesh with another goal in the 66th minute from a penalty, which was saved by goalkeeper Anisur Rahman, but the former made no mistake on the rebound. Defender Jurabaev made it 3-1 in the 86th minute with an easy placing shot into an empty net.
Sohel was substituted in the 53rd minute with Saad taking his place.
Youngster Rubel Miya came off the bench to replace Toklis in the 64th minute before Ord made his final substitution by bringing in Jafar for Didarul.
Bangladesh will take on host Palestine in the last match of Group E on Sunday to conclude their campaign.