The fans’ immense excitement ended in the disappointment of defeat. Host Bangladesh lost 2-1 to Singapore in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. The enthusiasm and energy with which the supporters had filled the National Stadium turned into sorrow by the final whistle. Bangladesh fell behind 1-0 in the first half and conceded another goal in the second. Although Rakib scored to bring the team back into the game, it was not enough to change the outcome.
After regular time ended, the match went into an additional 7 minutes, extending nearly to 10 minutes. In the final seconds, Fahim received the ball from Al-Amin during a corner kick. Tariq Qazi’s header from Fahim’s cross was perfectly placed, but the Singapore goalkeeper’s excellent save denied Bangladesh a last-minute equalizer. Thus, lost their final chance to draw the match.
This last-second disappointment perfectly summed up the entire game. Despite fighting evenly throughout, Bangladesh could not avoid defeat against Singapore in the Asian Cup qualifier. Though the ranking gap between the two teams was 22 places, Bangladesh dreamed of showcasing great football against their opponent. The match marked the first big test for the new BD team featuring Hamza Chowdhury, Samit Som, and Fahmidul Islam, but victory remained elusive.
Singapore victory 2-1 Goals
Even with the arrival of Hamza and Samit, the footballing picture did not change drastically something Bangladesh had to accept as reality. The hosts paid the price for several mistakes made during the match, which ultimately led to their loss. Although the first half’s result favored Singapore, the match was far from one-sided. Both teams fought hard, but Bangladesh missed multiple chances. Just as Rakib failed to convert several passes from Samit Som, also conceded goals due to their own errors.
The first half’s final moments were costly for Bangladesh. In the 43rd minute, Singapore launched a long throw-in from the left wing. BD goalkeeper, Mitul Marma, came out to collect the ball but could not secure it fully. Jordan Mboya’s header found Harris Stewart, who sent a cross that Song Wei Yan converted into a goal. Although Hamza Chowdhury tried to clear the ball off the line, it crossed fully after hitting his foot.
Bangladesh did create some chances. In the 15th minute, Shakil Ahad Topu made a run from the right flank, but Rakib could not finish despite a touch. In the 33rd minute, Bangladesh won a free kick after Fahmidul was fouled near the box. Hamza’s shot went just over the crossbar. At the 39th minute, Fahmidul beat a defender and took a shot from a Samit pass, but it was blocked.
The second half began shakily for Bangladesh, and they soon conceded again. A substitution was made early on as Kazem Shah struggled off the ball. In the 66th minute, Mitul Marma saved a powerful shot from Shami Hysin, but Ikhsan Fandi scored from the rebound a constant threat.
Despite conceding two goals, Bangladesh responded quickly in the 67th minute when Rakib scored. BD showed some positive signs but failed to capitalize further. Fahmidul missed several opportunities during the match.
Rakib made up for earlier misses by scoring after an assist from Hamza Chowdhury, energizing the National Stadium. After the goal, Bangladesh dominated possession and created several chances but could not convert them. Even after 80 minutes, Bangladesh earned four consecutive corners and used long throws to press, yet regret was their constant companion.
In the added time, Bangladesh maintained defensive composure and showed attacking intent through Al Amin and Fahim. Captain Jamal Bhuiyan was absent from the field, but Fahim stood out as the brightest among the substitutes.