Bangladesh earn long-awaited win upsetting Maldives 2-1

Bangladesh stayed in the final race of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksha Trophy Four Nations International Football Tournament upsetting upper ranked Maldives by 2-1 goal in their 2nd match at the Racecourse International Stadium in Colombo on Saturday.

It was not only a sweet revenge of Bangladesh in their 0-2 goal defeat against the Maldives in the SAFF Championship in Male five weeks before, but also their dream win against the island nation after about 18 years, UNB reports.

Bangladesh played the Maldives on five occasions since 2003, and lost four matches featuring an embracing 0-5 goal defeat. The rest match between them ended in draw.

Bangladesh miserably played to a 1-1 with lowly African side Seychelles in their first match despite leading by 1-0 goal till 87th minute at the same venue last Wednesday.

Earlier in the tournament opener on last Tuesday, hosts Sri Lanka, coming from behind, drew 4-4 with the Maldives at the same venue.

In the day’s match, captain cum medio Jamal Bhuiyan put Bangladesh ahead in the 12th minute utilizing a long throw of Rahmat Miah (1-0).

Mohamed Umair restored the parity for the Maldives in the 32nd minute capitalizing on a corner kick, taken by Ali Ashraf to tie the 1-1 in the first half.

Defender Topu Barman scored the long awaited match-winner for Bangladesh in the 88th minute from a penalty (2-1).

Bangladesh got the spot kick when onrushing Jewel Rana of Bangladesh, was illegally tackled by Maldives custodian in the danger zone.

Later, Topu Barman of Bangladesh was adjudged the most valuable player of the match.

In the remaining league basis matches, Sri Lanka is scheduled to play Seychelles tonight (Saturday night) at 9:30 pm, the Maldives will face Seychelles on Tuesday (Nov 16) at 4:30 pm while Bangladesh will meet hosts Sri Lanka, also on Tuesday (Nov 16) at 9:30 pm at the same venue.

Later, two top teams of the four-nation meet will play final on Friday (Nov 19).