Bangladesh exit brightly
Sports Reporter
Zahid Hassan Emily's 43rd minute goal ensured Bangladesh bow out of the men's Olympic football preliminaries with distinction after a 1-0 away win over Hong Kong yesterday.The Abahani striker, who got the ball after a right-flank move towards the end of the first half was cleared by Hong Kong defenders, kept cool in a goalmouth scramble and neatly stabbed a grounder through a forest of legs to beat goalkeeper Li Jian at then Hong Kong Stadium. "It was a brilliant finish because Emily was in a difficult situation with little space. He utilised a half chance to give us a deserved win," coach Abu Yusuf told The Daily Star from Hong Kong last night over phone. Having lost 3-0 at home on February 7, Yusuf's boys made the trip with no high hopes as they were staring at elimination unless a 4-0 victory in the return leg. The victory, which put an end to the Under-23 national team's 10-match run without a win in three years, must be a morale boost for the game in decline. Bangladesh, whose last victory at this level came against Afghanistan in the 9th SA Games in Islamabad, Pakistan in 2004, drew with India and lost to Pakistan in the same tournament. They fired blank in two more under-23 competitions last year, in the 10th SA Games in Colombo and the Asian Games in Doha, to remain without a win for nine matches. Bangladesh, completely outplayed in their home match, bounced back and were more attacking but received four yellow cards on the night. They created ample scoring chances with Emily and his partner Ujjal both coming close. Emily shot just wide while Ujjal's effort was parried by goalkeeper Jian who made another good save later, informed manager Amirul Islam Babu. "Unlike our last match, the players were following instructions. So they played a good game, just what I wanted," said Yusuf. "May be after the home defeat, they realised the situation and showed confidence and patience to stick to the plan," added the former nation footballer, who made only one change in the starting line up from the first leg game. "There were one or two who played exceptionally but I am happy because of the total team work." Mamun got a first-team place, replacing fellow midfielder Sharif. The team will return home tomorrow night. Squad: Himel, Aurup, Zahirul, Ariful, Waly, Zahid Hossain, Maruf (Sharif) Mamun, Zahid Parvez, Ujjal (Robin) and Emily.
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