BD lose to Uzbeks too
Bangladesh suffered their second consecutive defeat in the AFC U-22 Asia Cup Qualifiers when they were beaten 2-1 by Group D favourites Uzbekistan at the Dasrath Stadium in Kathmandu yesterday.
Smarting from a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Nepal in the first game, Bangladesh adopted a defensive strategy fielding five defenders against Uzbekistan who chose the aerial route to keep Bangladeshi defenders busy throughout the game.
Uzbekistan came close to of taking the lead in the 12th minute when Azamov Rustam ran down the right flank to enter the danger zone and hit the side netting, much to the relief of Bangladesh goalkeeper Shahidul Alam Sohel while eight minutes later Azamov headed a Gadoev header wide of the target.
Uzbekistan finally broke the deadlock in the 40th minute when Smolyachenkon Pavel headed an Alibobo cross home from the six-yard box on the rain-soaked pitch following nearly 15 minutes of drizzling.
However, Bangladesh hit back in the second half to equalise the margin 10 minutes into the second half when Uzbek defender Fayziev handled a powerful shot of substitute striker Rony and midfielder Emon Babu converted from the spot.
Uzbekistan restored the lead availing a fumble from Bangladesh goalkeeper Sohel, who saw a free-kick from Gadoev from 25 yards slip off his grips which cost Bangladesh three points.
Bangladesh will face Jordan in their third match tomorrow.
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