Bangladesh fall to Uzbekistan in U-20 Asian Cup qualifier

Bangladesh’s bid to qualify for the AFC U-20 Asian Cup finals got off to a disappointing start as they suffered a 2-0 defeat to hosts Uzbekistan in their Group B qualifier at Do’stlik Stadium in Tashkent on Monday.

Kuvanishbek Saydaliev and Abraev Kunonchbek struck either side of half-time as the 2023 champions proved far too strong for Gerard Jones’s side.

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Bangladesh, chasing a place in the finals for the first time in 24 years since their last appearance in 2002, were boosted by the inclusion of two overseas-based players -- defender Zidane Yousuf and forward Mohammed Mahe Khan. Another overseas-based forward, Adam Abass, came off the bench after 25 minutes.

But the additions failed to make much difference as Bangladesh struggled to threaten the technically and tactically superior hosts throughout the match. The men in red and green failed to register a shot on target, spending much of the game trying to contain Uzbekistan’s relentless attacks.

Goalkeeper Raj Chowdhury was Bangladesh’s standout performer, making a number of saves to keep the scoreline respectable.

Uzbekistan dominated from the outset, repeatedly exposing the Bangladesh defence. Their forwards were either denied by Raj or failed to keep their efforts on target as the hosts continued to pile on the pressure.

The breakthrough finally came in the 19th minute following a poor clearance from the Bangladesh backline. Forward Asilbek Abdurasulov unleashed a powerful shot from the right, which Bangladesh captain Abdul Riyad Fahim failed to clear properly. The loose ball fell to Saydaliev, whose effort took a deflection off a Bangladesh defender before finding the net.

Bangladesh struggled to respond after falling behind and remained under pressure for the rest of the first half.

Uzbekistan doubled their lead just a minute after the restart when Kunonchbek headed home a cross from the right inside the box.

The margin could have been much bigger had Raj not produced several more fine saves.

Bangladesh will take on Syria in their second match on September 3. Syria suffered a 1-0 defeat to India in the day’s earlier match.