Bangladesh held by Bhutan in AFC Under 19 Championship qualifiers

Misfiring Bangladesh colts have been held by Bhutan in their Group A clash of the AFC Under 19 Championship qualifiers.

Sports Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 4 Oct 2015, 04:05 PM
Updated : 4 Oct 2015, 04:05 PM

The hosts squandered chance after chance before the match ended 1-1 at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Sunday.

Bangladesh were a mess in both attack and defence in the first half and Bhutan made the most of that to take an early lead.

Midfielder Nima Wangon swung in a low corner that was sent into the back of the net by defender Sonam Tobgay.

Bangladesh came agonisingly close to an equaliser in the 17th minute when Bishwanath Ghosh's long throw picked Mannaf Rabbi in the box but the shot was cleared from the goal line by Bhutan captain Choki Wangchuk.

Moments later, Bangladesh goalkeeper Anisur Rahman prevented Bhutan from doubling their lead.

The hosts came close again in the 32nd minute but Md Ibrahim was denied by Bhutan goalie Gyal Tshen Zangpo.

Tutul Hosain Badsha then tried to flick in an Ibrahim free kick but the ball went inches over the post just before the break.

Bangladesh were better organised in the second half but Zangpo showed strong resolve to clear Rohit Sarker's shot in the 58th minute.

Bangladesh finally grabbed the equaliser in the 77th minute when Ibrahim swung one into the box and captain Masuk Mia Joni rose to head it past Zangpo.

Bangladesh were reinvigorated by the goal and pressed on for a winner but Sarwar Zaman Nipu missed two chances before the referee blew the final whistle.

Uzbekistan cruised to another victory, beating Sri Lanka 3-0 in the first match of the day to lead the group with six points. 

They thumped Bhutan 7-0 in their first match on Friday.

Bangladesh, who beat Sri Lanka 2-0 in their first match, are second in the group with four points. 

The hosts will take on the Uzbeks on Tuesday. The hosts will take on the Uzbeks on Tuesday.

The group champions and the best five runners up will play in the main event in Bahrain in 2016.  Hosts Bahrain youths will qualify automatically.