Consolation win for booters
The Bangladesh U-23 national football team had a face-saving win in the HE Rajapakshe International Football Tournament when they handed a 1-0 defeat to Maldives in their third and final match in Nawalapitiya, Sri Lanka yesterday.
Bangladesh had announced themselves as one of favourites prior to the start of the four-nation tournament, but made an early exit losing to Pakistan and Sri Lanka in consecutive matches. The last match against Maldives was an academic affair as Maldives had already ensured their final berth, but for Bangladesh it was some pride restored as they managed to defeat the in form team of the competition.
In any case, Bangladesh put on a much superior display in this matched and winger Towhid Alam made sure they bowed out with three points by scoring the only goal of the match on the half-hour mark.
According to a Bangladesh Football Federation report, Bangladesh pressed hard from the beginning and earned four corners kicks within the first 10 minutes but had to wait for the lead till 30 minutes.
Strikers Shakahwat Hossain Rony squandered a couple of good scoring chances while winger Towhid missed the target once before he put Bangladesh ahead in the 30th minute with his second effort.
Availing a long ball, Towhid advanced into the box to put the ball over advancing goalkeeper but his shot came off the crossbar allowing him a second bite of the cherry, which the winger gladly obliged.
Towhid found the net again in the 43rd minute but this time the goal was disallowed due to off-side. After resumption Bangladesh continued to play in the same pace but could not extend their lead and had to be content with a single goal win over the favourites Maldives.
The booters will return home on Sunday.
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