UNB, Sylhet :
Bangladesh National Football team conceded a 0-1 goal defeat to Malaysia U-23 team in the opening match of the six-nation Bangabandhu Gold Cup International Football Tournament at the houseful Sylhet District Stadium here on Thursday.
This is the 8th defeat for Bangladesh against Malaysia in their 11th meeting as their lone victory by 2-1 goals came in Delhi Asian Games in 1982. Bangladesh made two draws against Malaysia in 1982 and 2012, both in Kuala Lumpur.
After the barren first half in the opener, Malaysian forward Andik Mohd Ishak Muhammad Syazwan scored the match-winning goal in the 51st minute by long distance left footer dodging past two Bangladesh defenders amid huge frustration to football crazy fans.
Bangladesh managed a good number of chances during the match but those were missed out due to poor finishing, especially Emily spoiled at least three easy chances.
Malaysia took control over the ball possession from very first minute of the match.
Bangladesh forward Zahid Hasan Emily spoiled a good chance in the very 2nd minute near goalmouth off a Zahid low cross.
Malaysian forward Arif Farhan hit the crosspiece from the top of the box in the 7th minute.
A header of Malaysian midfielder Adam Nor returned to play after hitting the crosspiece again in the 15th minute.
Finally, Malaysia took the lead in the 51st minute when Sysawan saw Bangladesh goalie Russell Mahmud Liton out of position and curled the ball by a left footer from about 25 yards (1-0).
After conceding the goal, Bangladesh lost their rhythm and failed to perform their usual skill only to concede defeat.
Earlier, Finance Minister AMA Muhith inaugurated the first-ever international soccer meet in Sylhet as the chief guest.
BFF president Kazi M Salahuddin, Senior Vice-president Abdus Salam Murshedy, general secretary Abu Nayeem Sohag and Vice-president Tabith Awal were also present at the opening ceremony.
Noted singer Shuvro Dev and Mila rendered their popular songs in a brief but colourful opening ceremony before the match.
In the remaining group match, Bangladesh will face Sri Lanka on Monday (February 2) at Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka.
Six teams — split into two groups — are taking part in the meet with Bangladesh, Malaysia and Sri Lanka in Group A while Bahrain, Singapore and Thailand in Group B of the meet scheduled from January 29 to February 8 in Dhaka and Sylhet.
The Bangabandhu Gold Cup International Football, approved by FIFA and AFC are taking place after a gap of nearly 16 years. The second version of Bangabandhu Gold Cup was held in 1999 after the first edition in 1996.
Yellow cards: Rayhan Hasan, Atiqur Rahman Meshu, Jamal Bhuiyan (Bangladesh); Arif Farhan (Malaysia).
