Bangladesh, Pakistan share points

Bangladesh ended their group-round campaign against Pakistan in the Bangabandhu SAFF Championship with a struggling goalless draw at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Sunday.
Pakistan, in their effort to book the place in the second round, were more impressive then their previous games against Sri Lanka in terms of attacking attitude.
On the other hand, Bangladesh failed to continue their performance which they have shown in their first match against Bhutan. Bangladesh, after Sunday’s result, will have to wait till their last match against Sri Lanka scheduled for tomorrow  for the semifinal berth.
However, after end to end start, Pakistan established dominance against Bangladesh for around ten minutes of the first half forcing the hosts to be at the receiving end though they could not create any threatening attack.
In contrast, a sudden scoring chance came to Bangladesh’s way in the 15th minute at the Pakistani goalmouth when Enamul got a short pass from Arif in the box but his effort was well defended.
Keeping the momentum, the hosts put their opponents under pressure and another shout broke out in the galleries when Uzzal made a sharp appearance through the right side. He took a brilliant shot to the danger area but it was successfully cleared by a Pakistani defender.
Bangladesh initiated the second half in an aggressive fashion and had a close chance following a corner kick by Uzzal in the 49th minute with Arif taking a spectacular header. Pakistani defender Mahmood Ali cleared the ball inches away from the goal line.
Bangladesh could keep their cool for a while, as Pakistan bounced back sharply to put reverse the situation.
After that, Pakistan got a few free-kicks around the danger zone which could cause danger to the hosts. Aminul showed his talent in gripping a series of long shots.
Bangladesh successfully defended a Pakistan attack in the 70th minute with Atif Bashir Qureshi pushing the ball into the box and Amjad Iqbal taking shot to the post. Enamul cleared the situation a with a quick reflexive action.
Bangladesh, later from a counter attack, created another moment which could see success if Emily could reach Nassir’s perfect cross from the right side within the box.
In the post match briefing, Pakistan coach George Kottan looked somewhat tensed which he did not explain. Kottan said that his team is the strongest side in this competition. He will have to wait till their next match to make a place in the semi finals.
On the other hand, Bangladesh coach Shanto explained the match as an exciting one.
“Today our opponents played good game and we could not establish our control over them. Especially our midfield was not that good enough. They looked somewhat nervous,” said Shanto.
“We’ll try our best to win the next match to make it easy for the semi-final,” he added.
Today’s matches
Maldives vs Afghanistan (4 pm) and India vs Nepal (7 pm).

Source: The Independent