ZCZC
BSP-11
FOOTBALL-U-23-PRACTICE-MATCH
Booters play 1-1 draw in second practice match in Qatar
DHAKA, March 20, 2019 (BSS)-The Bangladesh U-23 national team came from behind to registered a 1-1 goal draw against Qatar’s Al Arabi Sports Club in the second and last practice match at the club’s home ground Grand Hamad Stadium in Doha on Tuesday late evening.
After trailing 1-0 , the Red and Greens came back strongly in the second half to earn a creditable draw. Earlier Bangladesh conceded a goal after an uncalled-for mistake at the back allowed the Qataris a gifted penalty in the first half.
The young Bangladesh side played an open and forthright game right from the kick-off and created some good chances.
Al Arabi skipper Hassan Dad stepped up to take the spot-kick and drew first blood for his team in the 37th minute.
Bangladesh were trailing Al Arabi at the break but that was soon to change.
When the game resumed, Bangladesh amped up their attack even more and it soon paid dividends.
Substitute Rocky netted for Bangladesh to draw level with the Qatar outfit in the 61st minute.
Bangladesh continued to tighten the screw on the Al Arabi defence but the men in red failed to take lead in the remaining proceeding.
Bangladesh would be happy to have performed well in both practice matches registering a win and a draw, especially with the AFC qualifiers being set to begin four days later.
Team Bangladesh will now pack-up their baggage and head to Bahrain for the AFC U-23 Championship 2020 qualifiers.
BSS/SG/SMM/1655 hrs