Bangladesh came back to win their Bangabandhu SAFF Championship 2023 Group B match against the Maldives 3-1 in Bengaluru on Sunday.
Bangladesh conceded early into the match but came back with a goal from Rakib Hossain three minutes before half-time.
With goals from Tariq Kazi and Shekh Morsalin, Bangladesh ensured they were still in the race for the semi-finals in the tournament after their last loss against Lebanon in the first group match. This win was Bangladesh’s first win against the Maldives in 20 years.
After the loss against Lebanon, Bangladesh had to win the match against the Maldives to still be in the competition, as the Maldives had won their first match against Bhutan by 2 goals to none.
A loss here would mean Javier Cabrera’s side was out of the tournament whatever the result may the last match against Bhutan produce.
Needing a win, Bangladesh played aggressive football from the first minute of the match. Jamal Bhuyan and co produced multiple chances in the first 15 minutes of the game while the Maldives had their first shot on target in the 17th minute.
However, the Maldives scored on their first chance as Hamza Mohamed scored the opener from a curler outside the box.
Bangladesh started to play more accurate after conceding the goal and finally Rakib levelled the scores in the 42nd minute from Sohel Rana’s cross.
Cabrera’s side completely outplayed Maldives in the second half as they scored another two in the half. Tariq Kazi brought the lead for Bangladesh in the 66th minute before Mursalin struck the final nail in the 90+1 minute.
Bangladesh will play Bhutan in their final group match on Wednesday. A win against Bhutan would ensure Bangladesh’s qualification for the semi-finals.
