Hosts Bangladesh made a fustrating start in the two-match FIFA Tier-1 International Friendly series, losing to the Maldives in the first match at the floodlight Bashundhara Kings Arena in the capital on Wednesday evening, reports UNB.
With the day's well-deserved victory, the Maldives team not only regained their rhythm after their absence in international football for one year but also took sweet revenge for their 1-2 goal defeat against Bangladesh at the same venue in October last year.
The Maldives team, FIFA ranked 163rd, now enjoyed an upper hand against FIFA ranked 186th Bangladesh after 19th international matches on Wednesday with seven wins, six draws, and six defeats.
The second and last match between two teams will be held on Saturday (November 16) at the same venue.
In the day's match, midfielder Ali Fasir scored the match-winning goal for the Maldives in the 18th minute by a well-judged header from close, off a free kick of Hamza Mohammad from the right wing (1-0).
Bangladesh was too unlucky in the day's match, as they did everything except score a goal.
Most of the Bangladesh attempts were foiled due to the shakiness of the forwards as well as the confident defence line-up of the Maldives.
In the day's match, midfielder Ali Fasir put the Maldives ahead in the 18th minute by a well-judged header from close, off a Hamza Mohammad free kick from the right wing (1-0).
Bangladesh came close to levelling the margin in the following minute, but they failed to fire target from goalmouth melee despite the repeated attempts.
In the 43rd minute, a long-distance shot by Sohel Rana missed target, narrowly hitting the side post.
Forward Rakib Hossain saved Bangladesh from conceding another goal in the 62nd minute, foiling a good Maldivian attempt from the danger zone in a one-to-one situation.
Mohammad Hridoy and Isa Faysal of Bangladesh and Ahmed Aiham of the Maldives were cautioned with yellow cards in the match.
Newly elected BFF President Tabith Awal, Sr Vice President Imrul Hasan, vice presidents, and some EC members gathered in the stadium to witness the match along with former captain of Bangladesh Cricket team Habibul Bashar Sumon, but they were frustrated in their first official appearances on Wednesday.
