After their seniors suffered a 5-0 defeat to Tajikistan in the 2010 World Cup pre-qualifiers yesterday, Bangladesh's Under-16 team lost 3-1 to the Tajik youth team on the same day in the AFC Championship qualifiers.
Bangladesh, who had started the Group D qualifiers in Abu Dhabi with an impressive 9-1 win over Palestine, ended their campaign in the five-team race with that single victory and four defeats.
Bangladesh paid for missing numerous chances after the Tajiks took lead through Saidov in the 12th minute at the Al Wehdy Stadium. Shakil wasted a first half opportunity while Nadim failed to convert three sitters either side of the break as Bangladesh failed to come back in the game.
Sohel and Saifuddin also fluffed easy chances as Gafurov doubled the lead for Tajikistan in the 83rd minute from a counter attack before putting the result beyond doubt six minutes later.
Sohag reduced the arrears for Bangladesh in the 90th minute after a pass from Saikat.
Bangladesh, who lost 9-1 to hosts United Arab Emirates, 3-1 to Turkmenistan and 3-2 to Uzbekistan, will return home today.