Home ›› 28 Jul 2022 ›› Sport
Bangladesh under-20 national football team’s striker Piash Ahmed Nova scored a brace to trump defending champions India 2-1 in the ongoing Under20 SAFF Championships 2022 at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar in India on Wednesday.
Bangladesh after starting their campaign on a winning note by beating Sri Lanka 1-0 clinched their second match of the group stage, beating India, who lifted their first title in 2019 after defeating two times runners-up Bangladesh in the final.
In Wednesday’s match, India got off the blocks quickly as they put together crisp passes and combined that with fine-tuned movement in the opening minutes but the quick start was soon warded off as Bangladesh grew into the game.
It started with striker Nova, who hit the woodwork in the 8th minute as he attempted a sumptuous lobbed finish when he saw the goalkeeper come off his lines.
Chances followed as Bangladesh, with gradual assurance, grew into their system as they remained compact in defence and looked to hurt India on the counter.
Paul Smalley’s men seemed well drilled in their duty as they made sharp interceptions in the middle of the park and looked to set Nova free in quick transitions.
This soon paid dividends as in the 29th minute, Nova broke the deadlock to take Bangladesh ahead in the tie.
The goal was aided by some sloppy defending by the Indian defenders but it has to be said that Nova’s vigilance and desire to keep chasing the ball came out on top as he managed to nick it in the box and applied a soothing left-footed finish.
But their celebrations were short-lived as against the run play India managed to equalize just six minutes later, courtesy of striker Gurkirat Singh, who perfectly anticipated a cross sent into the box and diverted a perfect looping header into the back of the net.
But that didn’t set Bangladesh back as they went right back to their plan of releasing Nova early upon making interceptions.
Elation followed soon enough as Bangladesh managed to take the lead again just at the stroke of half-time as Nova converted from the spot to make it 2-1.
The striker was vying for a cross into the box but he was brought down by defender Tankadhar Bag, whose appeals went futile as the referee pointed towards the spot.
Nova thumping top-corner spot-kick took Bangladesh to the driving seat at half-time.
The second half was less eventful in terms of chances, much to the credit of Bangladesh, who managed to keep the Indian attackers at bay, thwarting numerous offensive efforts.
The composure of the players stood out as they remained calm and seemed aware of every danger that was brewing in a desperate Indian side.
Bangladesh will take on the Maldives on Friday, and end the group stage, facing off against Nepal on August 2nd.
Following the conclusion of the group stage, the top two teams will lock horns in the grand finale on August 5th.
