The Pakistan men’s under-20 team gave everything in a valiant first half, only to be denied by the officials and then undone by misfortune as Bangladesh sealed a 2-0 victory that did not fully tell the story of this contest.
Pakistan had matched Bangladesh stride for stride for long periods of this SAFF U-20 Championship Group ‘B’ encounter, competed with intensity and belief, and thought briefly that they had forced their way back into the game, only to have the moment snatched away.
Bangladesh took the lead courtesy of a freekick by debutant Ronan Benjamin Sullivan in the 50th minute. Pakistan believed they had equalised in the 60th minute through Najeebullah’s header, only for the referee to rule out the goal. Seven minutes later, Sullivan sealed the win for Bangladesh with a smart finish in a result that flattered Bangladesh and offered Pakistan precious little consolation.
Pakistan will play India next in a must-win game on the 26th and hope for India to defeat Bangladesh in order to have any hopes of qualifying for the semis.