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SAF Football Championship 2021: Winning Start For Bangladesh 

Saleque Sufi | banglanews24.com
Update: 2021-10-02 11:45:14
SAF Football Championship 2021: Winning Start For Bangladesh 

Win by a Solitary goal and that too through a penalty smartly taken by center defender Topu Barman was not the true reflection of the match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. 

Bangladesh had lion share of the exchanges, creating more chances. But for lack of scoring abilities, absence of a quality goal scorer in the upfront deprived Bangladesh from running away with a high scoring win. Winning start would act as tonic for Óscar Bruzón tutored Bangladesh squad. Bangladesh plays tournament favorite India on 4th. 

Win against Sri Lanka (205) the only team lagging behind Bangladesh (189) in FIFA ranking was not unexpected. Even in the last meet between the two teams Bangladesh won 3-0. The tigers played different brand of football yesterday. They attack through long defense splitting passes from own deep defense, crosses from the wings, one to one passes. But the moves were losing ideas at attacking third. The forwards were either not in unmarked positions at the right time or hesitated to strike at the goal in the first opportunity.  Bangladesh enjoyed 62% possession in the first half, should have moved ahead scoring. Sri Lankan Custodian made a great save. Topu moved ahead a few times sending long balls to Yasir. Yasir also sent goal potential crosses for Topu to head. But somehow Bangladesh could not score. Bangladesh defense looked solid against Sri Lankan long ball attacks. Tarek Kazi moving inside set up a great partnership with Topu. 

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The trend continued in the second half with Bangladesh surging into attacks till a s Sri Lankan defender saved a pass from Biplu with hand inside danger area. Referee pointed to the spot. Sri Lankans disputed the decision but that resulted into an offender getting marching order. Topu scored from the spot kick much to joy of Bangladeshi spectators cheering their team all the way. Rest of the time Lankans played with 10 players. Still Bangladesh could not add to the tally. 

It is always great making a winning start. But for a team in a five-nation tournament second from the bottom in ranking sorting out scoring inability is urgent. From the proceedings of the match a 3-0 win for Bangladesh could be the most fitting result. Hope Oscar would work out something before it gets late. India would be a different cup of tea. 


BDST: 1145 HRS, OCT 02, 2021
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