Bangladesh edge Sri Lanka out in second friendly

Zahid Hasan Emily scored from the spot to help Bangladesh beat Sri Lanka 1-0 in the second friendly on Monday to register their first international win after five matches.

The hosts took control of the proceedings from the start at the Muktijuddho Smriti Stadium in Rajshahi.

Emily missed a great chance of putting his team ahead early when his header was blocked off by Sri Lanka defender Sajith Kumara. But he was not to make any mistake when his side was awarded a penalty in the third minute.

Captain Mamunul Islam was brought down inside the area by Sri Lanka vice captain Nalaka Roshan. Emily smashed the spot kick into the right corner of the net.

The hosts continued to press on despite the early lead. Mamunul sent one over the bar while Sohel Rana scooted away from two defenders inside the Sri Lankan area but was crowded out in the end.

The Sri Lanka vice captain came close to scoring an equaliser when he swung in a free kick but hit the upper side of the woodwork.

As the match entered the half-an-hour mark, the Sri Lanka captain raced into the 30-yard area of the Bangladesh box and had only Bangladesh keeper Rasel Mahmud to beat.
The keeper came outside his box to bring down the captain down and got a yellow card for his challenge.

Bangladesh coach Saiful Bari Tito brought Mithun Chowdhury on towards the end of the first half place of Mamunul, who picked up a hamstring injury.

After the break, Bangladesh played to preserve their lead but lost the ball frequently. But when Hemanta came on for Raju, after a quarter of the half was played, the hosts found their rhythm back.

But, Hemanta and Mithun wasted several efforts and failed to extend the lead.

The first friendly ended in a 1-1 draw.