An escape for Bangladesh

Afghanistan forward Ata Yamrali (C) tries to slice through Bangladeshi defenders Saikat (L), who was later sent off, and Rajani during their opening match of the AFC Challenge Cup Group C qualifiers at the Spartak Stadium in Bishkek yesterday. PHOTO: THE-AFC.COM

Abu Yusuf's debut as Bangladesh national football coach was spoiled when his side escaped with a goalless draw against AFC Challenge Cup qualifying Group C rank-outsiders Afghanistan yesterday.
The opening match of the qualifying rounds at the Spartak Stadium, which saw an Afghan goal cancelled and Bangladesh defender Mofazzal Hossain Saikat sent off in the third minute of stoppage time, kicked off after a splash of rain but the conditions were soothing until heavy shower poured in the second half.
Yusuf had five defenders on the pitch and a lively Afghanistan, guided by German coach Klaus Staerk, were the more attacking with three forwards in the lineup.
Obaidullah Karimi sent the ball over the Bangladesh goal after five minutes while Bangladeshi captain Hassan Al Mamun was cautioned ten minutes later for a foul against Ata Yamrali that started a series of fouls.
SAFF Football runners-up Bangladesh got back into the game after the early initiative by their South Asian rivals and midfielder Arman Aziz shot just over from 25 yards in the 24th minute.
A minute later, Aminul pulled off a superb save from Hashmatullah Barekzai's header after Karimi's quick counter attack.
The Afghans, who are pitted against Bangladesh in the coming SAFF Championship group stage, threatened to score again in the 34th minute with Bashir Azimi frightening the Bangladeshi defence. The midfielder began celebrating after his placing shot from a tight angle looked convincing to beat Aminul but fortunately, it missed the mark.
On a slippery pitch, the two teams exchanged more fouls in the second half, bringing cautions for Saikat in the 50th minute and Afghanistan's Djelaluddin Sharityar a minute later.
Bangladesh, however, were unlucky not to open the account in the 58th minute when striker Emily rattled the post.
The climax of the match was in the 68th minute when Afghanistan scored a goal only to be disallowed by UAE referee Jasim Al Senan for offside.Just before the final whistle, Saikat received his second booking to be ruled out for Bangladesh's remaining game against hosts Kyrgyzstan on May 9.
Bangladesh coach Yusuf told the-afc.com that the tactics of the opposition were very good.
"I didn't expect such a high level game from the Afghans. They didn't win because of bad luck," admitted Yusuf.
German coach Staerk admired a tight Bangladesh defence.
"I am satisfied with the performance but I am not satisfied with the result," said Staerk after the match.
Afghanistan will play their last group match against Kyrgyzstan tomorrow.
Only the group winners will reach the July 30-August 10 finals to be held in Hyderabad, India.
Red card: Saikat (Bangladesh)
Yellow cards: Hassan Al Mamun (Bangladesh) and Shrityar, Zohib, Yamrali (Afghanistan).
TEAMS
BANGLADESH: Aminul, Hasan Al Mamun, Rajani, Saikat, Waly, Arup, Zahed Parvez (Faisal Mahmud 54th), Arman Aziz (Maruf 80th), Sharif (Mamun 38th), Ujjal and Emily.
AFGHANISTAN: Amiri, Zohib (Saadat 82nd), Yarzada, Shrityar, Barak, Azimi, Kohistani, Habib, Barezkai (Qadami 88th), Karimi and Yamrali.