Defeat to Nepal shatters Bangladesh dream

Sports Desk: Nepal brought down high flying Bangladesh to the earth beating them by 2-0 goals in the last Group A match at the flood-light Bangabandhu National Stadium here on Saturday.

With this defeat to Nepal, hosts Bangladesh’s dream shattered again in the seven -nation 12th SAFF Suzuki Cup.

Bangladesh started the day’s campaign with an easy equation of making a draw against visiting Nepal in the last group match to confirm their semifinal berth but miserably failed to achieve their goal giving an opportunity to Napal to earn a must-win match.

Coach Jamie Day’s boys’ started to play pressing game from the beginning while Nepal defenders tackling attacks one after another, building up a wall of four defenders and were attempting for quick counters.

Bangladesh missed the first attempt in the 16th minute as midfielder Mahbubur Rahman’s right footed shot from outside the box was blocked by the goalie, off captain Jamal Bhuyan’s pass.

Utilizing a cross off midfielder Nirajan Khadka, another Nepal midfielder Sunil Bal’s took a header from the center of the box in the 14th, but was went out to the right post.

Bangladesh spoiled an opportunity in the 27th minute as Waly Faisal’s left footed shot from outside the box went over the crosspiece from a direct free kick, which awarded for a handball committed by Nepal forward Bharat Khawas.

After a boost of taking 1-0 lead in the day’s match, Nepal took the first attempt in the 54th minute with Bharat Khawas left footed shot from the right side of the box, which was saved by goalie in the bottom left corner.

Bangladesh a chance in the 50th minute as Biplu Ahmed’s left footed shot from outside the box, off Mamunul Islam pass, was blocked by defender.

In the 63rd minute, Bangladesh midfielder Emon Mahmud took a right footed shot, off a Sohel Rana’s pass, from outside the box and was blocked by defender.

Shakhawat Hossain Rony failed to utilise a cross pass off Waly Faisal as in the 70th minute as his header from the centre of the box was went out edging a bit high of the crosspiece.

Rony again missed two successive attempts in the 78th and 80th minutes, as his left footed shot from outside the box went over the crosspiece, following his miscued header attempt from the centre of the box.

Bangladesh goalie saved the post in the 87th minute punching out Sunil Bal’s right footed shot from the right side of the box from the bottom left corner of the post.

Earlier in the first half, Bangladesh had attempted in the 42nd minute, but defender Tutul Badsha’s left footed shot from outside the box, off a attacking midfielder Mamunul Islam headed pass, was saved by goalie in the bottom right corner.

It was a frustrating crush for the red-green jersey holders though they showed great enthusiasm and performances in previous matches.

Bangladesh, who beat both Bhutan and Pakistan by 2-0 and 1-0 respectively, were in an advantegeous position since Nepal had to ensure a win, as against Bangladesh's requirement of draw to reach the semi-final.

As Pakistan won 3-0 against Bhutan in another match of group A, just a draw against Nepal could have sent Bangladesh to the semifinal as group champions.

risingbd/Dhaka/Sept 8, 2018/Aminul/AI