BD lose to S Arabia

Saudi Arabia crushed hosts Bangladesh by 5-1 goals in the Group-D opening match of the AFC U-16 Qualifiers at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in the city Wednesday, reports UNB.

Forward Sarwar Zaman Nipu put Bangladesh ahead by a right footer in the 27th minute of the match utilising a curved cross off midfielder Mostajeb Khan in the middle of the box, 1-0.

Saudi Arabia restored the parity in the 29th minute when skipper Almas Naif Musa placed the ball into the net following a corner pass off Dhari Alanazi, 1-1.

Saudi Arabia took the lead in the 49th minute as Almas cut a low cross from the right flank and Albrikan Tariq flicked the ball past substitute goalkeeper Nur Alom, 2-1. Midfielder Mali scored the third goal for the visitors from a penalty in the 81st minute, 3-1.

Midfielder Alduwayhi Abdul Aziz Sulaiman scored the fourth goal for Saudi Arabia in the 83rd minute from the top of the box, 4-1.

In the 89th minute, Alabdan Hamad Abdan netted the fifth to complete a facile victory, 5-1.

Bangladesh were reduced to a 10-man team in the 49th minute when goalkeeper Foysal Ahmed fouled Albrikan Feras Tarik out of the box and the referee Ali Sabah al Qaysi sent him away with a direct red card.

In the remaining qualifying round match of the young sides, Bangladesh will face the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the same venue on Friday (September 18).