Before and after the goal, Bangladesh repeatedly attacked the Maldivian defense. But the disciples of Javier Cabrera could not succeed in any attack. In the end, the host Bangladesh had to leave the field with disappointment. Maldives took a 1-0 lead in the two FIFA friendly series with a 1-0 win. The second friendly will be played on Saturday at the Bashundhara Kings Arena. The match will start at 6 pm Bangladesh time.
The gallery of Bashundhara Kings Arena was full of spectators to watch the Bangladesh-Maldives match. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Women's Division Head Habibul Bashar Suman also came to watch the game. When Cabrero's team went on the attack, the crowd went wild. However, their enthusiasm was never successful.
Bangladesh was in control from the start of the match. The hosts attacked for the goal several times. In the 18th minute, Bangladesh gave a free-kick to the opponent by fouling in front of the box. Hamza Mohammed of Maldives took a free kick from a little outside the D box. Ali Fasir shook the net of Bangladesh by knocking his head on that perfect free kick. It is Fasir's 12th goal for the national team. Fasir was not marked by the defenders of Bangladesh, so it was not difficult to get the goal.
Bangladesh got a chance to score in the next minute. Bangladesh could not equalize as Maldives defender cleared the goal line. Rakib got the ball in a good position in the box and took a shot. Maldivian defender Irufan blocked that shot lying down. Although Bangladesh is ahead in ball position and attack, Maldives has repeatedly attacked the hosts' defense. In the 43rd minute, Bangladesh had to trail behind as Sohail Rana's long-range shot bounced off the side post.
In the first half, only Kazem Shah caught the attention of the footballers of Bangladesh today. Kazem has shown skill in midfield speed, ball distribution, shooting everywhere. He played for Bangladesh for the first time in the XI today. Bangladesh continued to attack in the second half as well. However, the finish was not good and could not hit the target.
