Midfielder Ali Fasir scored the lone goal as Bangladesh paid the penalty for missing a host of scoring chances in their 1-0 defeat to Maldives in the first of their two FIFA international friendly matches at the Bashundhara Kings Arena on Wednesday. 聽
With the loss, Bangladesh鈥檚 hopes of getting a favourable draw in next year鈥檚 Asian Cup Qualifiers also suffered a big blow.聽
Despite dominating possession from the kick-off and creating several attacking opportunities, Javier Cabrera鈥檚 charges were unable to capitalise on their chances.聽
The only goal of the match came in the 18th minute with unmarked Fasir heading home the ball from goalmouth after a free-kick by midfielder Hamza Mohamed from right top-corner of the box.聽
Bangladesh midfielder Md Ridoy brought down midfielder Hussain Nihaan and Bhutanese referee Virendha Rai rewarded the free-kick resulted Maldivian鈥檚 winning return to international football after over a year break.聽
The last time Maldives played an international match was in October 2023 when Bangladesh beat them 2-1 in the in the return-leg of the preliminary round of World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
Since their last match against the Maldives, Bangladesh played eight international matches, including two international friendlies against Bhutan in early September. 聽 聽
This was Bangladesh鈥檚 seventh loss in 19 meetings against Maldives, with eight wins and four draws since their first meeting in 1984.
It was also Javier Cabrera鈥檚 charges second consecutive loss in less than three months after a 1-0 defeat to hosts Bhutan on September 8. 聽 聽
In the day鈥檚 play, despite playing attacking football from the start, it was Bangladesh goalkeeper Mitul Marma who had to make the first save of the game when he punched Nihaan鈥檚 powerful drive to safety in the 12th minute.
Bangladesh forward Rakib Hossain missed a close chance in the 15th minute as he failed to head home the ball home from inside the box on a cross by forward Foysal Ahmed Fahim from the left.聽
Going a goal down in the 18th minute Bangladesh could have returned to the game in the next minute through a counter attack but Fahim鈥檚 attempt from just left-outside the six yard box was saved by Maldives keeper Hussain Shareef.
The hosts came close to scoring on two more occasions in the first half but Fahim and Rakib spoiled those chances the 30th and 34th minutes respectively.聽
Bangladesh continued their barrage of attacks in the second half with their frontline trident of Rakib, Fahim and Morsalin but all of their efforts were masterly handed by Maldives, especially by midfielder Mohamed Irufaan, who saved his team at least on seven occasions.聽
Bangladesh Premier League outfit Abahani Limited defender Shakil Ahad Topu made his international debut in the match.
The second and final match between the two sides will be held at the same venue on October 16.
