Bangladesh bow to Myanmar
Wednesday, 29 April 2009
Bangladesh's dream to clinch the AFC Challenge Cup Qualifier title was shattered as strong Myanmar that came from behind upset the hosts by 2-1 goals in a vital Group A match at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka Tuesday.
With this day's feat, touring Myanmar not only posted their second consecutive win in the qualifying round but also assured the group title with one match to spare against Cambodia Thursday to reach the final round of the AFC Challenge Cup billed for early next year.
Despite the day's defeat, Bangladesh still have a chance to reach the eight-team final round of the meet as the best runners-up team among the four Asian groups after beating lowly Macau in the remaining group match Thursday at 6pm.
This was the sixth win for Myanmar against Bangladesh in nine encounters since in 1973. Bangladesh won their first-ever international soccer trophy abroad beating hosts Myanmar by 2-1 goals in the final match of the four-nation Invitational tournament in Myanmar in 1995.
In the day's key match, Bangladesh dominated the first half by a solitary goal scored by striker Mohammad Enamul Haq.
Substitute medio Pai Sue changed the match fate scoring two quick goals in a span of only six minutes in the second half.
Enamul, who scored the match-winner against Cambodia Sunday, also on the day put Bangladesh ahead in the 12th minute by a spectacular header from a goalmouth melee utilising a left-wing corner from Emon Babu amid huge cheers from some 10,000 soccer fans at the big bowl (1-0).
Earlier in the very first minute of the match, Bangladesh skipper-cum-custodian Aminul Haque rescued his side from a certain goal saving a penalty taken by Myanmar captain Myo Min Tun.
Japanese referee Matsuo Hajime awarded the spot kick in favour of Myanmar when Bangladesh defender Mamun Miah fouled onrushing medio Yaza Win Thein in the left flank of danger zone.
Bangladesh team displayed an attacking football in the early first half to take a 1-0 lead, but soon they got more defensive as they were forced to play in their territory for most of the proceedings, except one or two scattered attempts.
Substitute medio Pai Sue restored the parity for Myanmar in the 67th minute, just two minutes of his arrival, by a well-judged header from danger zone, capitalising on right-wing cross from Myo Min Tun (1-1).
He scored the match-winner in the 73rd minute by a cool shot from a goalmouth melee silencing the home fans (2-1).
In the entire 2nd half, Bangladesh looked exhausted and always found busy resisting the opponents' attacks one after another.
Bangladesh team reduced to 10-men in the 87th minute as their defender Nasir got marching order.
Red card: Nasir (Bangladesh)
Yellow Cards: Mamun Mia and Manik (Bangladesh).
Teams:
Myanmar- Kyaw Zin, Moe Win, Khin Maung, Bo Bo Aung (Pai Sue), Zaw Htet Aung, Aung Myo, Yaza Win, Myo Min Tun, Myo Zaw Tun, Win Min Htut and Pyaye Phyo (Aung Kyaw).
Bangladesh: Aminul, Nasir, Mamun (Sujon), Rajani, Arman, Faisal, Mamunul (Ameli), Meshu, Manik, Emon (Zahid) and Enamul.
Referee: Matsuo Hajime (Japan)
With this day's feat, touring Myanmar not only posted their second consecutive win in the qualifying round but also assured the group title with one match to spare against Cambodia Thursday to reach the final round of the AFC Challenge Cup billed for early next year.
Despite the day's defeat, Bangladesh still have a chance to reach the eight-team final round of the meet as the best runners-up team among the four Asian groups after beating lowly Macau in the remaining group match Thursday at 6pm.
This was the sixth win for Myanmar against Bangladesh in nine encounters since in 1973. Bangladesh won their first-ever international soccer trophy abroad beating hosts Myanmar by 2-1 goals in the final match of the four-nation Invitational tournament in Myanmar in 1995.
In the day's key match, Bangladesh dominated the first half by a solitary goal scored by striker Mohammad Enamul Haq.
Substitute medio Pai Sue changed the match fate scoring two quick goals in a span of only six minutes in the second half.
Enamul, who scored the match-winner against Cambodia Sunday, also on the day put Bangladesh ahead in the 12th minute by a spectacular header from a goalmouth melee utilising a left-wing corner from Emon Babu amid huge cheers from some 10,000 soccer fans at the big bowl (1-0).
Earlier in the very first minute of the match, Bangladesh skipper-cum-custodian Aminul Haque rescued his side from a certain goal saving a penalty taken by Myanmar captain Myo Min Tun.
Japanese referee Matsuo Hajime awarded the spot kick in favour of Myanmar when Bangladesh defender Mamun Miah fouled onrushing medio Yaza Win Thein in the left flank of danger zone.
Bangladesh team displayed an attacking football in the early first half to take a 1-0 lead, but soon they got more defensive as they were forced to play in their territory for most of the proceedings, except one or two scattered attempts.
Substitute medio Pai Sue restored the parity for Myanmar in the 67th minute, just two minutes of his arrival, by a well-judged header from danger zone, capitalising on right-wing cross from Myo Min Tun (1-1).
He scored the match-winner in the 73rd minute by a cool shot from a goalmouth melee silencing the home fans (2-1).
In the entire 2nd half, Bangladesh looked exhausted and always found busy resisting the opponents' attacks one after another.
Bangladesh team reduced to 10-men in the 87th minute as their defender Nasir got marching order.
Red card: Nasir (Bangladesh)
Yellow Cards: Mamun Mia and Manik (Bangladesh).
Teams:
Myanmar- Kyaw Zin, Moe Win, Khin Maung, Bo Bo Aung (Pai Sue), Zaw Htet Aung, Aung Myo, Yaza Win, Myo Min Tun, Myo Zaw Tun, Win Min Htut and Pyaye Phyo (Aung Kyaw).
Bangladesh: Aminul, Nasir, Mamun (Sujon), Rajani, Arman, Faisal, Mamunul (Ameli), Meshu, Manik, Emon (Zahid) and Enamul.
Referee: Matsuo Hajime (Japan)