Bangladesh exit SAFF C’ship with heads held high

Bangladesh showcased great resilience and came close to stage an upset in the first semi-final fixture of the SAFF Championship but Kuwait emerged victorious as an extra-time goal proved to be the decider at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru today.  

After the regulation 90 minutes ended goalless, defender Abdullah Al Buloushi broke the hearts of Bangladesh fans in the added minutes of the first half of extra time.

Earlier, similar to the first half, Bangladesh's best chance arrived after the interval with a link-up play between Sheikh Morsalin and Rakib Hossain, who was inches away from breaking the deadlock in the 61st minute after his shot from a narrow angle struck the bar. The two forwards had been busy helping the defense throughout the match but remained alert to capitalise on counter-attacks.

Forward Rakib Hossain. Photo: BFF

Kuwait were the deserving winners eventually, having created the majority of chances in the second half following the introduction of their first-choice forwards. However, the determined charges of Javier Cabrera kept their shape compact and fought on level terms despite the gulf in rankings.

Bangladesh starting eleven. Photo: BFF

Cabrera was forced to make his first substitution in the 68th minute, with Faisal Ahmed Fahim replacing captain Jamal Bhuiyan -- who had to be carried off the field in a stretcher. By then, Kuwait had made five changes.

Captain Jamal Bhuiyan. Photo: BFF

Kuwait immediately had a couple of chances to grab the lead. First, their No. 10, Shabib Al Khaldi, had mistimed a volley from the box and then goalkeeper Anisur Rahman Zico denied another substitute Mohammad Abdul Daham. Zico again came to the rescue with a one-handed reflex save in the 74th minute.

A few half-chances fell in the way for two sides later but none could score despite seven minutes of extra time given. The extra time saw Kuwait come out with added intensity but goalkeeper Zico stood tall as the Bangladesh No. 1 pulled off a couple of brilliant saves.

In the end, with the possibility of tiebreakers looming, Kuwait were able to break the deadlock as right-back Al Buloushi produced a composed finish at the bottom far post, striking between the legs of Tapu Barman to leave Zico stranded.

The remaining time saw Bangladesh attempt to equalise but Kuwait defense proved a tough nut to crack for the spirited men in red and green.