Bangladesh Fall to Singapore Despite Improved Performance

Despite visible improvement in their performance in the FIFA Asian Cup, Bangladesh could not see the face of the points. After being crushed 3-0 by Malaysia in the first match, they showed signs of turning around in the second match, but neither a win nor a draw were achieved. Thomas Dooley’s men lost 1-0 to Singapore in a fiercely contested match held in Jakarta on Monday. Harris Stewart’s lone header in the 35th minute decided the fate of the match.

Leaving the failure of the Malaysia match behind, German-American coach Thomas Dooley made four changes to the starting XI. Experienced Jamal Bhuiyan and Zidan Yusuf came in for Sohail Rana and Shakil Ahad Tapu. Under Dooley’s tactics, the Jamals’ style of play changed dramatically; the players were much more aggressive, disciplined and focused on the field.

However, Singapore seized the opportunity in the 35th minute of the match. Haris Stewart, jumping out of the way of a perfect cross from Abdullah Nur Adam, beat the Bangladesh goalkeeper with a great header. Despite trying to make amends after falling behind, the red-green representatives were unable to regain the desired parity in the end.

Two consecutive defeats have left the team largely on the back foot in the tournament. Bangladesh will face hosts Indonesia in the final group stage match next Thursday.