The second and final edition of a two-match FIFA Tier-1 International series between Bangladesh and superior Afghanistan was played today (Thursday) at the city’s Bashundhara King Arena. Bangladesh rallied from a goal down to secure a spirited 1-1 draw.
The first game between the two teams was place at the same location and ended in a scoreless draw. With the outcome of the game, the two-match series was likewise tied.
After a break in the rain-shocked turf, Afghanistan finally took the lead. Jabar Sharza, a forward for the visiting team, scored the opening goal with a spectacular header off of a corner kick delivered by Omid Popalzay in the 52nd minute to break the scoreless tie.
Sheikh Morsalin’s goal gave Bangladesh a remarkable comeback in the game, nonetheless. Sheikh Morsalin, a rising football star who wasted a simple opportunity in the previous game, did not make the same error in the game that day. Morsalin received a cross from Bishwanath Ghosh on the right flank, and with a flawless placement shot, he put the ball home from a handshake away.
Morsalin, who had consistently struggled in the previous few games, exhaled in relief at scoring this goal. The youthful forward’s goal ultimately helped Bangladesh avoid a loss.
At the SAFF Championship in Bengaluru, the young player earned his international debut. Morsalin scored twice in each of the SAFF series’ first four games, and he added a third goal today. In his six international games, this footballer from Faridpur has already scored three goals.
Before Morsalin’s goal, Bangladesh had another solid opportunity. In the 60th minute, Bangladesh was awarded a free kick in front of the box. He must be considered unlucky by Captain Jamal Bhuyan because his well-timed shot harmlessly crossed the crossbar. In the 68th minute, the Bangladeshi skipper had another scoring opportunity, but Afghan defenders stopped his attempt into the area.
in the previous 20 minutes. Bangladesh created numerous scoring opportunities in their desperation to go in front, but they were unable to take advantage of any due to improper finishing.
After receiving a cutback from Jr. Sohel Rana in the 76th minute, Morsalin was unable to connect with the ball from the top of the D. The Javier Cabrera’s men might have left the field with a victory had Morsalin taken advantage of the simple opportunity.
Following the goalmouth brawl, Bangladesh had another scoring opportunity in the 86th minute when Topu’s goal-bound header rebounded off the head of an Afghan defender.
Bangladesh assistant coach Hasan Al Mamun and Afghanistan’s head coach Abdullah Al Mutairi, were shown red card by the referee centering on a foul was also the highlight of the first half.
Bangladesh squad – Anisur Rahman, Mitul Marma, Topu Barman, Bishwanath Ghosh, Md Rimon Hossain, Tariq Raihan Kazi, Sohel Rana, Jamal Bhuyan, Rakib Hossain, Md Suman Reza, Md Mojibor Rahman Jony, Md Foysal Ahmed Fahim, Md Rahmat Mia, Md Sohel Rana, Mohammad Ibrahim, Dipok Roy, Mohammad Rabiul Hasan, Md Ridoy, Md Isa Faysal, Murad Hasan, Shekh Morsalin, Md Saad Uddin and Md Matin Mia.
