Despite an improved performance, a fumble from Tapu Barman cost Bangladesh a 1-0 defeat to the Philippines in their final group match in the Bangabandhu Gold Cup at the Sylhet District Stadium yesterday.
Michael Daniels separated the sides with his 24th-minute strike to help the Philippines finish top of Group B with two wins. They will play the first semifinal against the Group A runners-up on October 9 while hosts Bangladesh, who finished second, will play the Group A champions the next day.
The hosts will likely face favourites Palestine, who can top Group A with a draw against Nepal today.
As both sides had confirmed their semifinal berths before yesterday's match, they rested numerous key players. The hosts left out Jamal Bhuiyan, Mahabubur Rahman Sufil, Wali Faisal and Biswanath Gosh on the sidelines.
Playing without any pressure, the men in red and green enthralled the 25,000 capacity crowd with a scintillating performance that kept a Philippines under pressure from the word go. However, they could not find a goal, which was perhaps deserved.
Jamie Day's charges put up an organised display with the defenders and midfielders maintaining two unbroken lines, except on one occasion, and controlled the game. Philippines seemed content in the knowledge that even a draw would see them top the group on goal difference.
Bangladesh came close to taking a lead in the fourth minute when Tapu headed Rahmat Mia's long throw and goalkeeper Michael Casas's fisted the ball off Nathanael Andrew and onto the woodwork.
The visitors had opted to play on the counter and that paid dividends in the 24th minute. Tapu fumbled and gave the ball way to opposing captain Bahadoran Misagh, who released Michael Daniels. Tapu slid in to stop the striker's drive, but could only deflect it into the near post.
Bangladesh dominated the second half and even managed to create a few good chances. However, Towhidul Alam Sabuz and Nabib Newaj Jibon failed to cash in on those opportunities.
With the game into its final minute, Biplu Ahmed found a nice chance to equalise from a scramble following a corner but the winger headed straight to the hands of Casas and Bangladesh, leaving Bangladesh to be satisfied with a second place in the group.
https://www.thedailystar.net/sports/football/news/booters-go-down-fighting-1643188
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