Bangladesh lose lead to draw vs Seychelles

Bangladesh national football team drew their first match under new coach Mario Lemos as they threw away a lead to draw 1-1 against Seychelles in their first match of the four-nation Mahinda Rajapaksha trophy in Sri Lanka on Wednesday.

Bangladesh had the lead in the 16th minute, courtesy of a brilliant goal from forward Mohammad Ibrahim. But an 88th-minute equalizer from Seychelles midfielder Rashid Dan Labrosse meant that Lemos started his Bangladesh journey with a stumble.

Bangladesh were clear favourites against Seychelles, ranked 199th in the FIFA rankings, and the red and greens started the match in the driving seat.

They took no time to take the lead as a brilliant right-footed effort from Ibrahim beat Seychelles goalkeeper Julio Denis to take Bangladesh 1-0 up. It was Ibrahim’s second international goal.

Bangladesh skipper Jamal Bhuyan failed to capitalise on a chance at the edge of the Seychelles box in the 30th minute and in the 42nd minute, Ibrahim missed a golden opportunity as his weak left-footed shot went wide of the goal.

Bangladesh, in the second half, looked to protect their lead more than to increase it as Seychelles got more and more chances.

In the 62nd minute of the match, Seychelles could have drawn level when Rundolf Din Elizabeth was one-on-one with Bangladesh goalkeeper Anisur Rahman Zico but failed to find the net.

But Seychelles finally found their desired equalizer in the 88th minute. After getting the ball at the edge of the box, Rashid produced a pinpoint finish to beat Zico and bring the African nation level.

In the last few minutes of the game, Seychelles were handed a couple of glorious opportunities as the Bangladesh players started an all-out attempt to find a winner. But Seychelles forwards failed to capitalise on those opportunities as the match ended in a draw.

Bangladesh will face Maldives in the next game and then will take on host Sri Lanka in the final match of the group stage.