Bangladesh were held to a goalless draw by hosts Malaysia in a FIFA international friendly match ahead of their next week’s World Cup qualifying match against Australia, at the Shah Alam Stadium in Selangor on Saturday. Despite the total domination of the hosts throughout the game, Bangladesh’s back four of — Yeasin Khan, Topu Barman, Nasirul Islam and Yamin Munna — were rock solid at the defence.
Bangladesh keeper Shahidul Alam Sohel also stood like a pillar under the sticks to deny the Southeast Asian nation from a certain win.
Malaysia wasted at least four clear chances in the first-half.
Sohel produced a stunning save to deny Malaysian forward Amri Yahyah’s left-footed placing shot from just inside the box following a Josheph Kalang’s cut back in the 17th minute.
However, it was not only the defenders of Bangladesh but also their midfielder Jamal Bhuiyan showed his class with his defence splitting passes.
Jamal played an excellent through-ball to Jewel Rana in the 25th minute but the young winger was a bit late to reach before it was gathered by the Malaysian goalkeeper.
Sohel again rescued his side in the 38th minute when the tall keeper punched away a free-kick of Yahyah after Jewel Rana brought down a Malaysian forward ten yards out off the danger zone.
Yeasin Ahmed conceded another free-kick three minutes later from a similar position but this time captain Shafix Rahim’s set-piece flew over the cross-bar.
Bangladesh’s Hemanta Vincent Biswas darted from the right wing a couple of times, but didn’t find any support to lay the final ball.
Sohel produced another stunning save to deny Nasir Basharuddin’s powerful attempt from left corner of the box in the 65th minute.
Hazwan Bakri’s short-range attempt from six-yard box in the 73th minute was nicely blocked by stopper back Yeasin.
Topu Barman made a decent clearance eight minutes before the final whistle to deny Nazirul Nayeem, who was late to connect the ball from short-range.
Bangladesh will face Asian champions Australia in their third World Cup qualifying match on September 3 in Perth, Australia.
-With New Age input
