Bangladesh kicked off their mission of AFC U-19 Championship qualifiers with a comfortable 2-0 win against Sri Lanka in second match of Group A Qualifiers at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Friday evening.
Bangladesh came close to a strike in the 28th minute. Forward Rohit Saker’s corner was pushed forward by winger Md. Ibrahim, Sri Lnakan goalie Rishad Mohammed punched the ball unmarked forward Mannaf Rabbi found the rebound but the ball went straight to Rishad again, says official website of Bangladesh Football Federation.
Sri Lanka who took a counter attacking strategy occasionally roamed in the Bangladesh defence but hardly opened any clear-cut chances.
In the last minute of the first half Rohit Sakar standing at the top of the box saw his volley missed the side post.
In the 49th minute Mannaf Rabbi sent a low cross from the right flanks into the box where Rohit Sarker fired a low volley was brilliantly saved by goalie Rishad.
Forward Mannaf Rabby broke the deadlock in the 67th minute. Md. Ibrahim floated a free kick into the left corner of the box where Rohit Saker unleashed a volley but the ball rebounded off the Sri Lankan defence, unmarked Mannaf Rabbi placed the ball into the net. (1-0)
Captain Masuk Miah Zoni doubled the lead in the 83rd minute from a penalty. Ibrahim’s shot hit the hand of Sri Lankan defender Dhanushka Madusanka in the box and Omani referee Abdullah Mohammad Al Hilali whistled for the penalty. Masuk converted the spot kick. (2-0)