Bangladesh, Afghanistan play goalless draw

Bangladesh played to a goalless draw with visiting Afghanistan in the first match of two-match FIFA Tier-1 Int'l series held today (Sunday) at Bashundhara King Arena in the city.

 The day's match was special in the football history of Bangladesh. For the first time, a national football team played a match in a club stadium. Jamal and Co. had the opportunity to make the day special, but they could not color the Kings Arena.

 In the first half, hosts Bangladesh were ahead in ball possession and attack and also created few scoring chances.

 Bangladesh came close of scoring in the 24th minute. Taking a pass from Morsalin Rakib took a shot from the danger zone, but Afghan defender blocked the ball brilliantly.

 Three minutes later Afghanistan narrowly missed a goal from a counter attack when the ball went beside the side bar after deflecting the leg of defender Tariq Kazi.

 After the breather, Bangladesh got the easiest chance in the match when Morsalin missed that opportunity in the 55th minute. Taking a shot pass from Rakib he could not send the ball to the net, despite finding the Afghanistan custodian helpless under the bar as the ball sailed harmlessly over the cross bar.

 Substitute Faisal Ahmed Fahim brought some momentum to the match. The Nepali referees awarded seven minutes of injury time but Bangladesh could not score any goal.

 The second and ultimate match of the two-match series will be held on September 7 at the same venue.

 Bangladesh squad - Anisur Rahman, Mitul Marma, Topu Barman, Bishwanath Ghosh, Md Rimon Hossain, Tariq Raihan Kazi, Sohel Rana, Jamal Bhuyan, Rakib Hossain, Md Suman Reza, Md Mojibor Rahman Jony, Md Foysal Ahmed Fahim, Md Rahmat Mia, Md Sohel Rana, Mohammad Ibrahim, Dipok Roy, Mohammad Rabiul Hasan, Md Ridoy, Md Isa Faysal, Murad Hasan, Shekh Morsalin, Md Saad Uddin and Md Matin Mia.