DHAKA, Nov 13, 2024 (BSS) - Bangladesh suffered a frustrating 1-0 defeat to 
visiting Maldives in the first of the two-match FIFA Friendlies held at 
Bashundhara Kings Arena in the City on Wednesday. 

Bangladesh took control of the match form the very beginning but probably 
lady luck did not smite for Bangladesh because despite getting repeated 
scoring opportunities in the entire preceding the host failed to fight back 
in the match after trailing the first half by 1-0 goal.

Credit must goes to Maldives custodian Hussen Shareef who frustrated the 
Bangladesh forwards foiling several certain scoring chances, especially in 
the second half.

Maldives found the net in the 18th minute. Unmarked Ali Fasir sent the ball 
with a close header from the handshake distance capitalizing on a free kick 
from Hamja Mohamed giving no chance to custodian Mitul Marma under the bar.   

In the next minute, Bangladesh came close to sore following a counter attack 
but Sohel Rana's left footer shot from top of the D box went harmlessly over 
the cross bar.

Bangladesh again came close of scoring in the 30th minute. This time Isa 
Faisal provided a cross to Faisal Ahmed Fahim from the left flank, but he 
failed to keep the ball on target as the ball went out of play beside the 
left side bar.

Bangladesh continued to press pressure to equalize the margin. Forward Rakib 
Hossain took a powerful shot from the close range off Faisal pass but the 
ball went out of play after deflecting the body of a Maldives defender in the 
33rd minute.

Bangladesh deprived from another certain goal in the 44th minute. Sohel Rana 
must be considers him as unlucky as his left footer powerful shot from the 
long range returned to play after hitting the left side bar following a 
corner kick taken by Morsalin from the right flank.

After the resumption, Bangladesh continued onslaught to stage a fight back in 
the match creating several scoring chances, but they failed to convert any in 
the remaining proceeding.

Bangladesh deprived from another goal in the 70th minute when Shahriar Emon 
header from the vantage position narrowly missed the target.

In the 74th minute, substitute Mijibor Rahman Jony's powerful shot from 
inside the D box was brilliantly saved by Maldives custodian Hussain Shareef.

Bangladesh also got couple of scoring chances in the dying moment but Hussain 
Shareef frustrated the Bangladeshi forward with his extra ordinary skill.  

Bangladesh played good football compared to Maldives in the whole proceeding 
but could score any goal and eventually they had to leave the field with 
empty hand.

The second and ultimate match of the series will be held on November 16 at 
the same venue. 

Bangladesh squad - Topu Barman (captain), Md Ridoy, Sheikh Morsalin, Rakib 
Hossain, Foysal Ahmed Fahim, Mitul Marma, Shakil Ahad Topu, Sohel Rana, Isa 
Faisal, Syed Shah Quazem Kirmanee and Sadd Uddin.