A silverware after 17 years
Bangladesh throughout the game looked out of place and almost lost it at the end. But Nepal failed to make use of their chances as Bangladesh survived.
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Bangladesh and Nepal's second 'Mujib Borsho Fifa International Football Series' match ended in a goalless draw at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Tuesday. It ensured the series win for Bangladesh as football finally returned to life after months of waiting.
Bangladesh throughout the game looked out of place and almost lost it at the end. But Nepal failed to make use of their chances as Bangladesh survived.
Both teams with several changes
In the playing eleven, both teams made several changes.
Stuart Watkis made two changes in the Bangladesh playing eleven. Regular goalkeeper Ashraful Islam Rana replaced Rashedur Rahman Zico while Riyadul Islam Rafi made way for experienced Yeasin Khan.
Nepal's manager Johan Kalin made a whopping 5 changes to their playing eleven. Ranjit Dhimal, the starboy of Nepal team, missed the first encounter last Friday after testing positive for Covid-19, returned. Nepal missed around 6-7 players due to coronavirus and some of them returned to the squad today.
Bangladesh were already without their head coach, Jamie Day, who had tested negative for Covid-19 a few days back.
Stalemate first half
There were hardly any decisive moments in the first half of the game. Both teams lacked vision and failed to create chances. As a result, the first half was goalless.
Bangladesh got their best two chances through striker Sumon Reza. He missed a great chance from outside the box by a little margin. Ziban provided a great cross from the right hand side, but Sumon failed to utilise.
Nepal, fielding their strongest side possible, failed to make the most of their few chances. They troubled the Bangladeshi booters, but there were hardly any decisive chances created by them. They looked dangerous on the set-pieces though.
Nepal's best chance came from a corner. A clear heading chance for defender Ananta Tamang was however missed. That was apparently their only clear-cut chance in the first half.
Nepal defender Bikash Khawas was booked for a foul. Bharat Khawas was replaced by Nawayug Shrestha at the 19th minute of the match.
Nepal went so close, yet so far
The match gained a little momentum in the second half. Both teams played with a positive result on their minds. There was more pace and agility in the game.
Nepal created a few chances, but only to miss them. The best chance in the half was created by Nepal in the injury time of the match. Nawayug Shrestha's header hit the crossbar from a set piece. This was during the 93rd minute of the game. Bangladesh almost lost it there.
Nepal went so close. They had another great chance in the dying minute of the match when Rahmat Mia gave away a freekick near the penalty box.
Bangladesh kept losing position every now and then. Bangaldeshi booters seemed content with the draw as it sealed the series victory for them.
Bangladesh hardly made any clear cut chances in the second half. They were in relief as soon as the last whistle was blown. After all, it sealed the Mujib Borsho Fifa International Football Series for Bangladesh despite a goalless draw.
Pitch invader wanting a selfie with Jamal Bhuyan
It was during the 72nd minute of the game. A pitch invader from nowhere rushed into the field with no mask on his face. He wanted nothing but a selfie with Bangladesh skipper Jamal Bhuyan. Jamal also posed in the middle of the pitch.
The Bangladesh Football Federation's (BFF) decision to allow fans in the field has already been questioned. This invader will only add fire to the questions.
Bangladesh will play their next match in the Fifa World Cup Qualifiers against Qatar on December 4.