Scoreline flatters inferior booters
Even an open declaration of a 30-lakh taka cash incentive and the support of a full-house at the Sylhet District Stadium failed to inspire Bangladesh, who went down 0-1 against Malaysia U-23 in the opening match of Bangabandhu Gold Cup yesterday.
The hosts -- visibly inferior in strength, skill, idea and motivation against this very young Malaysian side -- rode their luck in the first half before it ran out. An opportunistic strike from Malaysia forward Muhammad Syazwan in the 53rd minute, after three similar attempts were denied by the woodwork, proved decisive, making the hosts' chances of semifinal qualification difficult already.
The ingredients were all there for a positive start for the hosts as they hoped to make amends for the defeat against Nepal at this very ground last year. Even the coaching staff and players had vowed for that the day before the match. But there was no reflection of those on the field as the hosts started the match nervously.
The hosts were chasing soon after the kick-off and could have been a goal down had Syahrul Azwari's curling effort not narrowly missed the target. Bangladesh players struggled to keep the Malaysian forwards in check and started to make rash tackles, earning two yellow cards within the 18th minute. The Malaysian players looked like they had done a fair bit of homework, contrary to their coaches' claim the day before, and tried to take advantage of Bangladesh goalkeeper Rasel Mahmud Liton's tendency to rush out of his line. There were five shots on target from the Malaysians within the first half hour and three of those attempts either hit the bar or thudded off upright.
Bangladesh, in spite of their lack of incisiveness, had their share of moments in the first half, thanks to some enterprising play from winger Zahid Hossain and attacking midfielder Hemanta Vinent Biswas in particular.
Zahid Hasan Emily, who rescued Bangladesh on numerous occasions during his 10-year career, showed all of his age when dealing with inviting crosses, failing to connect with them.
Coming back after the breather, Bangladesh showed more of the same, albeit with a bit more desire. That desire turned into desperation once Liton's adventurism cost his side the decisive goal. Syazwan spotted Liton out of position and, after gingerly dribbling past a few defenders, scored from about 25 yards out.
Bangladesh coach Lodewijk de Kruif brought on Wahed Ahmed and Sakhawat Hossain Rony to partner Emily upfront, but the Malaysians defended the lead efficiently. Bangladesh players could give themselves solace saying that had Rony's attempt in the 83rd minute not hit the woodwork, they would have left the field with a draw, but that would have betrayed the true picture of the match.
Comments