Bangladesh eves shrugged off their dismal performance against North Korea as they went down fighting 0-3 goals defeat against last year ‘s runners-up Japan in their second match of the AFC U-16 Women’s Championship at the Institute of Physical Education Stadium in the Thai province of Chonburi on Thursday.
Goalkeeper Ruksana Begum who put on a very poor performance against defending champion North Korea’s 0-9 drubbing and midfielder Nargis Khatun were not considered for today’s outing. Their replacement Mahmuda Akter and Monica Chakma looked more promising in today’s match. It was a much improved display despite defending most of the time, Bangladesh in patches threatened at rival’s den too.
One of the women power-house in football Japan, meant business in first half as they carried on waves of attack despite some stubborn resistance.
BFF source informed BSS that the decision to field Akhi Khatun in the defense turned out to be good one as the tall Akhi alongside Masura Parvin, Shamsunnahar, Sheuli Azim and Sanjida Akter made some brilliant tackling defying the high brand of soccer presented by Japan.
The margin could have been even bigger were it not for first-choice goalkeeper Mahmuda, who put up brilliant performances to defy their superior rivals. She was also superb in one-on-one situations, where she denied the Japanese four or five times.
The result is much better compared to that of their previous match and a far cry from the 24-0 drubbing they had received at the hands of the same opposition in the 2005 AFC U-17 Women’s Championship.
Japan went up ahead in the 11th minute of the match after defender Sheuli Azim’s hard tackle at the top of the box awarded Japan a free kick and a yellow card for her. Forward Tomoko Tanaka put her team ahead from a close range.
Bangladesh came close to a goal in the 17th minute, however Akhi Khatun’s head on a curving corner of Sanjida was cleared from the goal-line.
Japanese midfielder Moe Nakae’s super footwork was too much for the Bangladesh defence in the 31st minute before Nakae slot the second goal home.
Japanese midfielder Yuzuki Yamamoto added the third in the 39th minute following a one-two with her attacking partner Momo Kato splitting the Bangladesh defense.
The second half saw Bangladesh defensive prowess did allow the Japanese to increase the tally.
Bangladesh faces Australia in their last group match on Sunday next.
