Booters draw with Air Force United
Bangladesh surrendered a lead to play out a 1-1 draw against Air Force United FC in their first practice match ahead of the joint qualifiers for Asian Cup and World Cup (Round-1) against Laos at the Air Force ground in Bangkok yesterday.
Winger Biplu Ahmed gave Bangladesh the lead in the fourth minute after snatching the ball away from an opponent, driving a curling shot from 35 yards. Air Force, however, hit back in the 16th minute, with Chuiideh firing a rebound from inside the box after a free-kick came off the post.
English coach Jamie Day sent two different sets of players in two halves in a bid to test all the players as well as give them match time ahead of the second practice match against Thai League 2 side BG Pathum FC on June 1.
The 39-year-old coach started the game with goalkeeper Ashraful Islam Rana, Mohammad Ibrahim, fit-again Tutul Hossain Badsha, Nasir Chowdhury, Rahmat Mia, Emon Mahmud, Sohel Rana, Biplu, Rabiul Hasan, Matin Mia and Towhidul Alam Sabuz before bringing on goalkeeper Anisur Rahman Zico, Riyadul Hasan, Yeasin Khan, Sushanta Tripura, Bishwonath Gosh, Mamunul Islam, Jamal Bhuiyan, Masuk Mia Zony, Mahbur Rahman Sufil, Arifur Rahman and Nabib Newaj Jibon in the second half.
“It was a good preparatory match for the boys, who all got an opportunity to show their worth. The coach brought changes in formation in the second half as the opponents are a good side, who played possessional football with crisp passing,” said manager Satyajit Das Rupu over phone from Thailand.
Rupu informed that the team found some good chances in the second half but forwards like Sufil, Jibon and Arifur squandered those opportunities while Matin missed a chance in the first half.
“The opponents could hardly expose our defence but there were some mistakes and the coach will work on those mistakes and on set-pieces,” Rupu said, adding that the coach would decide whether to start the second match with a different set of players or a possible starting eleven eyeing the June 6 match against Laos.