Booters beat Afghanistan

Bangladesh pulled off a surprise 1-0 win against a higher-ranked Afghanistan in their Asian Games Group B opener at the Munhak Stadium in Incheon, South Korea yesterday.

An 83rd minute strike from skipper Mamunul Islam – a powerful left-footed drive from the edge of the box – ensured Bangladesh their third win in the Asian Games; their first since 1986 when they beat .

Afghanistan, ranked 41 places above Bangladesh in the latest FIFA rankings and boasting a number of players who ply their trade in Europe, dominated the match both in terms of possessions and creating opportunities, but it was the defensive display of Bangladesh, coupled with an excellent performance from goalkeeper Rasel Mahmud Liton, that kept them in the game.

And when an opportunity came knocking in the shape of a counter-attack in the 83rd minute, Mamunul's sharpshooting made sure that Bangladesh got an Asian Games win under their belt after a long gap of 28 years.

Bangladesh could have left the field with a bigger margin of victory had Jamal Bhuiyan's effort in the dying moments from the half-way line not drifted wide off the target. But even a 1-0 win would give Bangladesh a shot in the arm before they take on group favourites Uzbekistan on September 18 and Hong Kong on September 22. Two teams from each of the eight groups will qualify for the second round; a stage Bangladesh have never managed to reach.