ZCZC
BSP-23
FOOTBALL-BD-NEP-LEAD
Bangladesh confirm series after playing goalless draw with Nepal
DHAKA, Nov 17, 2020 (BSS) – Bangladesh won the much-expected
series against visiting Nepal after the hosts played out to a goalless
draw in the second and final match of the ‘Mujib Barsho’ FIFA
International Friendly series at Bangabandhu National Stadium here
today.
Bangladesh won the series following their 2-0 victory in the
first match. The two-match series was earlier dedicated to the birth
centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
This series victory against Nepal will definitely inspire Jamal
and Co. to play good brand of football against Asian Champions Qatar
in their FIFA World Cup Qualifying round match to be held next month.
Nepal got the first scoring chance early in the 4th minute when
midfielder Tej Tamang’s rebound shot from the close range went
straight to the hands of Bangladesh custodian Ashraful Islam.
Bangladesh got the first notable scoring chance in the 24th
minute when Suman Reza after taking the ball, took a left footer long
range powerful shot, but the ball went out of play inch over the cross
bar.
Suman again failed to utilize the chance in the 31st minute when
following a counter attack, onrushing Suman failed to push the ball
properly from inside the D box and Nepal custodian Kiran Chemjong
easily gripped the ball diving his left.
After the resumption, Nepal again went attack in the 55th minute.
This time Chirring Gurung provided a pass at the danger zone where
Nawayug Shreshtha and Sujal Sreshtha failed to utilize the
opportunity.
Nepal got their best scoring chance in the crucial moment.
Nawayug must considered him as unlucky as his brilliant header from
close range returned to play after hitting the right side pole.
In the first half of the game, the Nepalese launched repeated
attacks but failed to score against Bangladesh’s packed defense. In
the second half the visitors however lost a little bit of tempo.
Bangladesh also increased the tempo after the resumption but
failed to utilize those lacks of proper finishing.
Earlier, in the first match, Bangladesh beat Nepal by 2-0 goals
by taking a 1-0 lead in the series.
Mahbubur Rahman Sufil, who was the hero of Bangladesh’s
magnificent victory in the first match, was given the most valuable
player award.
After the match, Topu Barman said the most important matter is
that we have come to play the international match after a prolong gap
of seven and half months … we needed to win the first match for the
sake of Bangladesh as well as the spectators. We won the first match
playing good football but in the second we tried heart and soul
……. we are unlucky as we could not win, but we are happy with the
result.
He said, “We played two friendly matches with the preparation of
two weeks and we’ll get ten to twelve more days for preparation for
the Qatar match. During this time we’ll amend our mistakes before
going to Qatar.”
Team manager Amer Khan said such kind of tournament should
arrange in regular basis so that the country’s football can gradually
move forward.
He also thanked the Bangladesh Football Federation for arranging
such kind of tournament and congratulated the players for winning the
series.
Squads:
Bangladesh – Biswanath Ghosh, Rahmat Mia, Topu Barman, Jamal
Bhuyan (captain), Mohammad Nabib Newaz, Ashraful Islam Rana, Yeasin
Khan, Sumon Reza, Mohammad Ibrahim, Manik Mollah and Saad Uddin.
Nepal- Kiran Chemjong, Ranjit Dhimal, Ananta Tamang, Bikash
Khawas, Tshiring Gurung, Anjan Bista, Arik Bista, Sujal Shrestha, Tej
Tamang, Darshan Gurung and?Bharat Khawas (captain).
BSS/SG/MRU/2045hrs