Bangladesh down Cambodia 1-0 to find first win under Cabrera

Bangladesh head coach Javier Cabrera finally pocketed his first victory since his appointment in January as his troops clinched a precious 1-0 victory against 174th-ranked Cambodia at the Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh on Thursday.

An expert finish from right-winger Rakib Hossain in the 22nd minute made the difference and striker Matin Miah, on his return to the national side, impressed with the assist as Bangladesh managed to maintain their unbeaten record against Cambodia, winning their fourth match against this opposition.

It looked like it was going to be a long night for Bangladesh as they were happy to concede possession to Cambodia. The hosts with their possession were constantly creating overloads on one side, which allowed them to get a player free on the other.

A series of dangerous crosses followed but Bangladesh defenders were able to come away unscathed. Goalkeeper Anisur Rahman Zico, when called upon, made a couple of smart saves to keep Bangladesh in the game.

Long throws have always been one of Bangladesh’s primary attacking options. Defender Bishawanath Ghosh came alive when he got to throw it in from the right. The defender’s throw swooped in and kindly fell to skipper Jamal Bhuyan, who fluffed his shot and missed a sitter in the 14th minute.

However, that miss was quickly forgotten when right-winger Rakib, against the run of play, found the net in the 22nd minute.

Midfielder Biplo Ahmed made an interception in midfield and rolled it to striker Matin Miah, who produced a moment of brilliance as he drove the ball towards goal and played it to a waiting Rakib who drilled it across goal to make it 1-0.

Tactically, Bangladesh, throughout the evening, remained focused on staying compact in a structure and tried to hit Cambodia on the break eyeing quick transitions from midfield.

A similar half followed in the second 45 minutes. Cabrera made little change to the system and it was evident that the onus was on remaining compact and catching Cambodia on the counter.

On a similar break, Bangladesh came very close to doubling their lead in the 74th minute when Matin drifted wide left and curled in a long-ranger from 35 yards but Cambodia goalkeeper Hul Kimhuy produced a brilliant save to tip the ball onto the crossbar.

Bangladesh defenders put in a laborious shift as they kept out numerous crosses from both sides of the pitch and earned a well-deserved clean sheet.

Bangladesh will now travel to Nepal, where they will take on the hosts in another International friendly at the Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu on Tuesday.