BD football team begin Asiad campaign with defeat to Myanmar

Agency :
An own goal by Murad Hasan saw Bangladesh Olympic football team lose to Myanmar 1-0 in their opening fixture of the men’s football event at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China Tuesday.

Two of Bangladesh’s efforts were denied by the woodwork while two other attempts were punched away by the opponent goalkeeper as Javier Cabrera’s charges left the pitch goalless.

After the first half ended goalless, Rabiul Hasan hit the woodwork before defender Murad headed the ball into his own net to put Myanmar ahead.

A 25-yard strike by Foysal Ahmed Fahim going inches wide off the post was Bangladesh’s notable attack before the break as Myanmar enjoyed possession but could not breach the defence.

Bangladesh earned a free kick just outside the box six minutes after the break but Rabiul saw his powerful attempt hit the side post.

Myanmar went close to scoring twice before Murad scored the own goal in the 67th minute while trying to clear a cross from the left side at the near post.

A straight red card saw Myanmar reduced to 10 men in the 75th minute for a foul near the box as Rabiul took the free-kick but his effort was brilliantly punched away by the keeper.

Bangladesh kept Myanmar defence under pressure and created a couple of chances in the 85th minute, including Suman Reza’s header that was cleared by the goalie.

The men in red and green were again denied by the woodwork in added time and this time it was Suman’s strike from inside the box.

They will face India and hosts China in their remaining two fixtures Thursday and Sunday respectively.