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2009 SAFF Cup: Hosts Bangladesh Begin Campaign With Big Win Over Bhutan
Two goals in each half gives hosts easy win..
04-Dec-2009 7:47:10 PM
Bangladesh have made a superb start in the 2009 SAFF Cup by beating Bhutan 4-1 at the Bangabandhu National Stadium, Dhaka on Friday evening.
A brace from striker Enamul Haque and one each from Pranotosh Kumar Das and Zahid Hassan gave the hosts a convincing victory. Nawang Dhendup scored the only goal for Bhutan.
Bangladesh came into this game as favorites so there was no surprise to see a very attacking approach from them.
They nearly took the lead as early as the second minute but Bhutan keeper Leki somehow managed to make a good save after a goalmouth scramble.
Bhutan had their first short on target two minutes later when Nawang Dhedup tested Bangladesh captain and keeper Aminul Haque.
In the other end, Bangladesh kept causing problems in the Bhutan defence and finally broke the deadlock through midfielder Pranotosh Kumar Das, who scored with a header.
In-form striker Enamul Haque doubled Bangla’s advantage with a fine solo goal, much to the delight of the big home crowd.
The hosts were dominating the game and could have easily scored a couple more but Zahid Hasan and Enamul Haque were unable to take their chances.
Bhutan were playing on the break but the penalty which they won a minute before the break was against the run of play.
Nasirul Islam made a rash challenge on Nawang Dhedup resulted in the spot-kick which the Bhutan striker successful converted to make it 2-1.
Bangladesh were determined to restore their two goal advantage early in the second period and they managed to do that in the 52nd minute when Enamul Haque bagged his second of the match from a Mehedi Hassan corner.
Twenty minutes later, Zahid Hassan made it an even more convincing scoreline as he scored from a very narrow angle after going past a few defenders.
For the rest of the game it was all about damage limitation for Bhutan while the Bangladesh players were just enjoying their football.
This result sends Bangladesh to the top of Group B, ahead of Sri Lanka on goal difference, while Bhutan occupy the bottom place and will need a much better performance against the Lankans on Sunday.
Goalscorers: Pranotosh Kumar Das (Bangladesh) 12’, Enamul Haque (Bangladesh) 22’,52’, Nawang Dheup (Bhutan) pen 44’, Zahid Hasan 72’
Amoy Ghoshal
Inside Goal.Com
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