There was desire, there was effort and great confidence – that's what eventually anchored Bangladesh to the port of victory. Javier Cabrera's side will play their last match of the year against Maldives today at Bashundhara Kings Arena. Although Maldives took the lead in the beginning, the red-green jersey holders won the match with a margin of 2-1.
The hero of that victory is Papan Singh. His goal in extra time was the last smile on Bangladesh's face. Although this is Bangladesh's second victory in 2024. Bangladesh lost at the beginning like in the first match. The hosts quickly digested the goal due to the mistakes of the defense. And Ali Fasi, the hero of Maldives' victory in the last match, shook Bangladesh's defense. In the 23rd minute of the match, Fasir got Ibrahim Mahud's extended ball in the D box. Next to him was Tapu Burman of Bangladesh. And a little ahead Saad Uddin. But Tapu and Saad failed to stop Fasir. In this opportunity, this Maldivian midfielder put the ball in the Bangladesh net with a perfect shot. Bangladesh lost the first match too with Fasir's goal. After five minutes, the Morsalins could not overcome the defense wall of Maldives even though they created a chance to score from the counter attack.
After digesting one goal, Bangladesh tried to organize a somewhat frantic attack. However, Maldives thwarted several of the hosts' attacks in midfield. In the 39th minute, Bangladesh attacked through the middle of the field. Fahim took a shot in the middle of the box. But his shot was within the reach of opponent goalkeeper Sharif Hossain and he blocked it. However, due to the speed of the shot, the goalkeeper of Maldives fisted the ball without glove. Morsalin got the loose ball and took the return shot. But his shot went over the post. No more mistakes in the 43rd minute. Javier Cabrera's disciples attack on the right side. Getting the ball outside the D box, Mojibur Rahman Johnny initially gave it to Sheikh Morsalin. Morsalin didn't have the space to take the shot and returned the ball to Johnny. And this midfielder sent the ball to the net on the left side of the post with a bullet speed shot of his right foot. Bangladesh equalized in the match.
In the 49th minute after the break, Rakib's strong shot was put over the post by Maldives goalkeeper Sharif. Bangladesh gets a corner. However, no chance was created from that corner. In the 53rd minute, Bangladesh goalkeeper Mitul Marma's great save saved the sure goal. Maldives' Naeez Hasan sends a cross into the goal from the left side. Ahmed Rizwan blocked the ball from his position even though he hit his head on that cross. In the 58th minute, another organized attack by Maldives did not succeed. After one minute, Bangladesh's Fahim couldn't cross the ball despite getting an empty defense. This is how Bangladesh continues to attack regularly to take the lead in the match. In the 60th to 75th minute, the red and green team did not see the second success despite attacking three more times.
As time goes on, the number of fouls increases. Both teams were desperate for a second goal. The coach of Bangladesh made three changes to the XI. Pius Ahmed Nova was promoted to Morsalin. Which is his first match in Bangladesh jersey. Even though the speed of the attack increased, it became difficult to overcome the strong defense of Maldives. Along with four defenders, one or two others are seen guarding the defense. That's why no more goals were seen despite attacking one after the other. However, in the 84th minute, Nova, who made his debut in the national team, could not get the ball into the net despite finding the opponent's goalkeeper alone. In the added minutes, Bangladesh's organized attack finally got the winning goal. Papan Singh came on as a replacement for Sohail Rana, who rattled the Maldives' net by evading the opposition defenders in the box. Thanks to which a great victory was caught.
