Bangladesh was defeated 1-0 by superior Kuwait in the first semifinal of the Bangabandhu SAFF Championship today (Saturday) at Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru, India.
Right-back Al-Buloushi broke the hearts of Bangladesh fans by scoring the game-winning goal for Kuwait in the 105th minute, after 90 minutes of regulation play had failed to break the deadlock.
Kuwait, the tournament’s invited team, will now play the final against either India or Lebanon on Tuesday (July 4) at the same site.
Kuwait is significantly stronger than Bangladesh in terms of strength, but the boys in red and green put on an amazing performance throughout the encounter.
They not only thwarted Kuwait’s goal chances, but also pushed Kuwait to the test on multiple occasions, creating some genuine scoring opportunities in the process.
Anisur Rahman Zico, the outstanding goalkeeper, produced several outstanding saves throughout the game. This aim is not Zico’s responsibility. He had no choice but to stare at the ball when it entered the net. He also made some excellent saves in extra time.
Kuwait controlled nearly the whole first half of extra time. Kuwait was keen to grab the lead in extra time, but goalkeeper Zico remained firm, frustrating Kuwaiti forwards multiple times throughout the game.
Tariq Kazi, the center-back, has returned to Bangladesh to play in place of Rahmat Mia. The remaining lineup is the same as the one that faced Bhutan.
In the second minute, Bangladesh had the easiest chance in the game. Cabrera’s men may have won if Morsalin, the teenage footballer, had taken advantage of the opportunity. Forward Rakib Hossain charged down the right wing and sent an accurate square pass to Sheikh Morsalin, who, despite being alone within the opponent danger zone, could only shoot right at the Kuwait goalkeeper.
Bangladesh also survived a significant scare in the first five minutes of the game when Isa Faisal had to clear a header from a Kuwait forward just ahead of the goalline.
In the 29th minute, a well-judged cross from Kuwait forward Al Rashidi from the left appeared to be heading towards the net, forcing Bangladesh goalkeeper Zico to punch the ball away for safety.
Bangladesh had another chance to take the lead in the following minute when Jamal Bhuyan supplied a measured cross to Rakib from the left, but Rakib could not take the head despite being in a good position.
The second greatest chance for Bangladesh occurred in the 60th minute. Morsalin supplied a through pass to Rakib, who took a right footer shot from a tight angle, but the ball went out of play after striking the cross bar.
Kuwait were able to break the deadlock after regulation time when right-back Al Buloushi sent the ball to the net with a grounded drive at the bottom far post, striking between the legs of Tapu Borman.
Bangladesh attempted heart and soul in the remaining proceedings, creating some near chances but unable to convert any deficiencies of proper finishing.
Bangladesh, which won the title in 2003, had previously lost their opening game in Group B against Lebanon 2-0, but then mounted a spectacular comeback with a 3-1 win over Maldives before finishing second in the group with a 3-1 win over lowly Bhutan.
Kuwait, number 143 in FIFA rankings, opened their campaign with a 3-1 win over Nepal, then destroyed Pakistan 4-0 before drawing 1-1 with tournament hosts India.
