Super-sub midfielder Papon Singh鈥檚 first international goal in injury time propelled Bangladesh to a 2-1 comeback victory over the visiting Maldives in their second and final FIFA international friendly match at the Bashundhara Kings Arena on Saturday.
Papon scored in the fourth minute of the seven-minute stoppage time, following midfielder Mojibor Rahman Jony鈥檚 equaliser in the 43rd minute, which cancelled out Maldives鈥� 23rd-minute lead from midfielder Ali Fasir鈥檚 goal.
With the win, Spanish coach Javier Cabrera鈥檚 charges ended their 2024 international calendar on a high after losing the first game 1-0 when Fasir scored the match-winning at the same venue on Wednesday.聽
This was Bangladesh鈥檚 ninth win in 20 meetings against Maldives, with seven losses and four聽draws since their first meeting in 1984.聽
This victory also marked Bangladesh鈥檚 second win in eight matches this year, alongside six losses. It would be a sweet end for Cabrera, if his contract is not extended after December.
Bangladesh鈥檚 win enhanced their chances to secure a favourable pot in the December鈥檚 draw for next year鈥檚 Asian Cup Qualifiers tournament.
Bangladesh are currently ranked 185th in the world, while Maldives are ranked 163rd.
Maldives got the lead by utilising Bangladesh defender Topu Barman鈥檚 miss-pass that got midfielder Ibrahim Mahudhee Hussain to feed it to Fasir, who placed it home from the box deceiving two defenders and keeper Mitul.
Bangladesh could have returned the game in the 39th minute but forward Foysal Ahmed Fahim鈥檚 shot was denied by Maldives keeper Hussain Shareef following a cutback by forward Rakib Hossain.聽
Jony calmly equalised, creating space at the top of the box for a successful right-footed drive that found the far post net, navigating through four defenders after receiving a cutback from forward Shekh Morsalin.
Papon came on for midfielder Sohel Rana (Sr) in the 89th minute and scored in stoppage time with a shot from the center of the box after Emon made a run down the left flank to deliver a low cross.