ZCZC
BSP-28
FOOTBALL-BANGABANDHU-BANGLADESH
Matin scores brace as Bangladesh reach semifinal
DHAKA, Jan 19, 2020 (BSS) – Midfielder Matin Mia scored a brace as Bangladesh confirmed their spot of semifinal as group A runners-up of the Bangabandhu Gold Cup International Football tournament knocking out Sri Lanka by 3-0 goals in their must win match held on Sunday at Bangabandhu National Stadium here.
Bangladesh will now play the second semifinal match against group B champions Burundi scheduled to be held on January 23 at the same venue.
Bangladesh launched series of attacks in the beginning of the match and they maintained their domination till the final whistle.
The boys in red and green missed the first scoring chance in the 11th minute as onrushing Saad Uddin failed to connect the ball from close range off a cross from Ibrahim from left wing.
Bangladesh took the lead in the 17th minutes. This time Matin Mia, after receiving a pass from right wing, ran down inside the D box and sent the ball home with a perfect angular shot.
Bangladesh again got another scoring chance in the 21st minute this time Ibrahim ran down with the ball with his solo effort and took a powerful angular shot from inside the danger zone but Sri Lanka custodian Herath fisted the ball for safety at a cost of corner.
After the resumption, Bangladesh come to the field with more organised way mounted pressure on Sri Lanka creating attacks.
Sohel Rana missed a certain scoring chance in the 51st minute as his powerful shot from inside the D box sailed inch over the cross bar.
Sri Lanka got a scoring chance in the 57th minute as Razek Ahmed’s powerful left footer shot from inside the danger zone narrowly missed the target.
Matin Mia doubled the lead for Bangladesh in the 68th minute. Following a counter attack, Motin Mia ran down with the ball with his solo effort, and pushed the ball to the net after dodging past Sri Lankan goalie Herath who came forward to clear the ball.
Bangladesh again came close of scoring in the 70th minute as Sohel Rana’s powerful goal-bound right footer shot from 25 yards was brilliantly fisted by Sri Lankan custodian Herath at a cost of corner.
Mohammad Ibrahim sealed the victory for Bangladesh scoring the third goal in the 83rd minute with a left footer shot from handshake distance off a minus from substitute Rakib Hossain.
Stand in skipper Topu Bormon was shown red card by Bhutan referee Virendha Rai following double yellow cards in the 90th minute.
Regular skipper Jamal Bhuyan missed the day’s match against Sri Lanka due to injury.
Bangladesh dominated the entire proceeding and notched their deserving victory while Sri Lanka were totally off-colored.
After the match Bangladesh head coach James Day said he is very pleased over the boys performance against Sri Lanka.
He said it was a tough game from them as Sri Lanka played good football against Palestine so they have to play better to go to the semifinal.
Matin Mia, the hero of the match, said he is very happy as he able to contribute for team that helped his side to go to the semifinal.
Monday’s match: Seychelles vs Mauritius at 5 pm.
BSS/SG/MMA/2039hrs