Hosts Bangladesh began their Group A campaign of the AFC Under-19 Championship qualifiers with a 2-0 victory over Sri Lanka at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Friday.
In the opening match of the championship, Uzbekistan thrashed Bhutan by 7-0 at the same venue. Bangladesh dominated the game throughout but had to wait until the 67th-minute to break the deadlock with Mannaf Rabby. Skipper Masuk Miah Jony converted from the spot in 83rd minute to seal the win.
Bangladesh coach Saiful Bari Titu opted for an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation.
Mannaf Rabby acted as lone striker while Ibrahim, Rohit Sarker and Saad Uddin initiated most of the attacks.
Sri Lanka appeared unimpressive from the beginning, though they managed to hold their fort for a long period thanks to goalkeeper Rishad Mohammed who produced some decent saves.
Rishad came to the rescue of Sri Lanka team in the 20th minute when Mannaf Rabby’s initial effort was blocked by him before he denied Ibrahim twice.
The Sri Lankan keeper produced another lovely save to frustrate the home supporters with just four minutes into the second half.
Rohit’s powerful volley from edge of the box following a Saad’s low cross was blocked by Rishad.
Mannaf Rabby, the Rahmatganj forward, gave the home side the much deserved lead in the 67th minute.
Rohit’s shot following an Ibrahim’s free-kick was initially blocked by a defender but Mannaf was there to send the rebounder into the far post.
Bangladesh earned a penalty in the 83rd minute when Ibrahim’s shot hit the hand of Lankan captain Danushka inside the box and Jony calmly converted from the spot.
Meanwhile, Uzbekistan faced no trouble against Bhutan, arguably the weakest team of the group.
The Central Asian team found their rhythm just before the end of the first half when defender Gofurov Husniddin opened the floodgate in the 43rd minute. Sharof Mukhitdinov doubled the lead from the spot two minutes later.
Kodirkulov Sanjar extended the lead in the 55th minute before substitute Striker Abdixolikov Bobir netted a brace.
Fellow substitute midfielder Davlatjonov added another in the 88th minute while Tukhtasinov completed the route from a free-kick moments before the final whistle.
Bangladesh will take on Bhutan on Sunday while Uzbekistan will play against Sri Lanka in the other match of the day.
-With New Age input
