Dhaka: Bangladesh defeated Maldives 2-1 in a thrilling encounter during the second match of the FIFA Tier-International Friendly series at Bashundhara Kings Arena on Saturday. The victory not only allowed Bangladesh to conclude their 2024 calendar year on a high note but also helped them to level the series 1-1. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the match ended in a 1-1 draw after the regular ninety minutes, prompting the referee to add an additional seven minutes of injury time. It was during this period that substitute Papon Singh emerged as the hero for Bangladesh by scoring the decisive goal in the third minute of injury time. His composed finish rescued the team from a potential series defeat on home soil. Earlier in the match, Maldives' Ali Fasir, who had been the standout performer in the first match, gave his team an early lead in the 23rd minute. Fasir capitalized on a defensive error by Topu Barman, converting a through pass from Ibrahim with a precise left-footed shot. Despite the setback , Bangladesh had an opportunity to equalize in the 39th minute, but Morsalin squandered the chance by sending the ball over the crossbar after a deflection from Maldives' goalkeeper Hussain Shareef. Bangladesh managed to level the score in the 42nd minute when Mojibor Rahman Jony found the back of the net with a powerful right-footed shot from the top of the D box. Jony's goal came after a deft pass from Fahim, and although Shareef attempted to save, he was unable to prevent the equalizer. Both teams displayed determination in the second half, creating numerous chances to take the lead. Bangladesh's debutant Piash Ahmed Nova missed a significant opportunity when he failed to capitalize on an open chance against Shareef. Topu Barman also came close to scoring with a header in the 86th minute, but his effort narrowly missed the target. In 2024, Bangladesh's national team played a total of eight matches, winning two and losing six. Among these were four World Cup qualifiers and four FIFA friendlies, with vict ories recorded against Bhutan and Maldives. The team scored only three goals throughout the year, with two against Maldives and one against Bhutan. The match was attended by Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain and Bangladesh Football Federation president Tabith Awal, alongside members of the SAFF-winning Bangladesh women's football team, who were present to encourage the national team. Despite their struggles throughout the year, Bangladesh secured a memorable win in their final match, thanks to Papon Singh's decisive goal.
