Sabbir Hossain:
Bangladesh Football team made an auspicious start in the SAFF Championship beating Sri Lanka by a solitary goal in their opening match at the National Football Stadium in Male, the capital city of Maldives on Friday.
After a barren first half, Topu Barman of red-and-green outfit scored the all-important goal from a spot-kick in the 56th minute of the play. Sri Lankan defender Duckson Puslas touched the ball with the hand in the D-box of Sri Lanka. Thus referee awarded a penalty kick for Bangladesh. Later, the referee showed a red card to Duckson Puslas for his unplayable attitude and Sri Lanka became a 10-man team.
Earlier, Captain of Bangladesh Football team Jamal Bhuiyan struck a shot in the 23rd minute of the play but his shot went wide. Both teams got a one-minute cooling-break due to hot weather in the 26th minute of the match.
Bangladesh got two opportunities just a couple of minutes before the long-whistle. But Biplo Ahmed and Rakib Hossain failed to convert those.
Jamal Bhuiyan’s free-kick was bounced back after touching the man made wall in front of the post at the dying moment.
Bangladesh got their easiest chance in the injury time of the first half. But Topu Barman’s header was fisted by Sri Lankan goalie. The ball came on Tapu’s way from a cross of his teammate Yeasin Arafat.
Newly appointed Head Coach of Bangladesh team Oscar Bruzon replaced Saad Uddin for Jewel Rana after the break. Saad Uddin’s power-packed shot went over the crosspiece in the 86th minute of the clash.
Sri Lanka got their lone chance in the 76th minute of the match. But Razeek’s shot was gripped by Bangladesh goalie Anisur Rahman Zico.
Bangladesh will face India in their second match on October 4 at the same venue.
