AFC U19 Qualifiers: Bangladesh lose 1-0 to fate
Hisor, November 6: Bangladesh lost 1-0 to Uzbekistan in their third match of group B in the AFC U19 Championship 2018 qualifiers at Hisor Central Stadium on Monday, despite valiant efforts by the players against a tough opponent.
Bangladesh were successful in keeping the Uzbeks at bay for full 90 minutes but an unfortunate own goal from Mohammad Atikuzzaman on the 90+4th minute poured cold water on all the good work by the squad.
Despite 14 corners and 11 shots, Uzbekistan failed to break the Bangladesh’s defence-line despite scoring a whopping 16 goals in their previous two matches.
Having beaten Sri Lanka 10-0 and Maldives 6-0, Uzbekistan were the favourites against Bangladesh. Bangladesh, however, proved to be a stubborn opposition for the group-favourites.
Mahabub Hossain Roksy’s men produced their best once again and Uzbekistan had to carve their win out with Mohammad Atikuzzaman unfortunately sending the ball into his own net four minutes into added on time at the end of the second half.
It was Bangladesh’s first taste of defeat in the tournament as Mahbub Hossain Roksy’s men drew against hosts Tajikistan and secured a 1-0 win against Maldives in their first two matches.
On the other hand, it was Uzbekistan’s third consecutive win and one point in their final group match against Tajikistan on Wednesday will seal top spot in the group and the automatic spot to the Finals in Indonesia.
Though the own goal in added time was heart-breaking, Bangladesh will take heart from the valiant performance and go all out against Sri Lanka in their last group match on Wednesday.
