A dying moment own goal from defender Tutul Hossain Badshah cost Bangladesh Under-19 team as they lost to hosts Nepal 2-1 in their last group match of SAFF Under-19 Championship in Kathmandu on Monday. The hosts came from a goal down to seal the match and finished as Group-A champions with Abahani Limited defender Badsha turning out to be the chief culprit for Bangladesh being responsible for both goals.
Rohit Sharker put Bangladesh ahead in 10th minute before Badshah conceded a penalty to allow Anjan Bista score the equaliser for Nepal in the 16th minute.
With the match heading towards a draw, Badsah committed another blunder, this time sending the ball in their own post in the added time of the second half, which handed Nepal the unexpected
win.
Bangladesh, who have already qualified for the semi-final, will now face the winners of match between India and the Maldives, who will play today in the Group-B deciding match.
Despite the loss, Bangladesh can take consolation from the fact that they dominated the game with Rohit leading their way having scored his second goal of the tournament.
Rohit collected a defence-splitting through pass of Mannaf Rabby to send the ball past Nepal keeper Sojit into the far post, giving Bangladesh an early lead.
Bangladesh keeper Anisur Rahman produced a decent save to deny Nepal skipper Bimal Gharti Magar’s header following an Aakash Thapa cross five minutes later.
Referee awarded Nepal a penalty in the next minute after a cross from left corner of the box hit Badshah’s right hand. Anjan made no mistakes to convert from the spot.
Left winger Mohammed Ibrahim was unlucky to see his effort just outside the box hit the woodwork, two minutes after the equaliser.
Nepal skipper Bimal Gharti Magar showed his skills in the 74th minute with an eye-catching effort just outside the box but Bangladesh keeper Anisur dived to his right to block his powerful shot.
Mannaf wasted a great chance in the 86th minute when the youngster headed on a long ball from Emon inside the penalty area that bounced just inches wide off the side post.
Badshah conceded a free-kick 30 yards out in the added time that proved to be decisive.
The free-kick, taken by Sunil Bal, was not a great one but Badshah saw his clearance on a Masuk Mia Jony’s header went into the right corner of the net.
-With New Age input
