Singapore secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Bangladesh in a dramatic AFC Asian Cup qualifier clash at the National Stadium in Dhaka, dealing a significant blow to the hosts’ campaign. Despite a late flurry of attacks and a vociferous home crowd, Bangladesh failed to find the equaliser, leaving them rooted to the bottom of Group C alongside India, both on just a solitary point.
The evening began brightly for the home side, with Bangladesh piling on the pressure in the opening stages. Their early dominance saw them threaten down both flanks, with Rakib Hossain particularly active. However, the visitors weathered the storm and gradually found their rhythm.
Ikhsan Fandi, operating as a lone striker, offered an early warning sign when he struck the side netting, before eventually playing a decisive role in Singapore’s triumph. The deadlock was broken on the stroke of half-time after a calamitous goalkeeping error from Mitul Marma. A floated ball into the box caused confusion, with Marma failing to deal with the aerial challenge. Ryhan Stewart helped the ball back across the face of goal, where Song Uiyoung was on hand to tap home from close range. Bangladesh went into the interval 0-1 down, with much to ponder.
The second half saw the hosts emerge with renewed intent, but they were soon punished again for another lapse in concentration. In the 58th minute, Hami Syahin’s speculative long-range effort was poorly parried by Marma straight into the path of Ikhsan Fandi, who made no mistake to double Singapore’s lead.
Bangladesh responded with urgency and were rewarded just nine minutes later. A moment of quality from Hamza Choudhury in midfield saw him release Rakib Hossain, who sprinted clear and slotted the ball under Singapore goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud, who should have done better. The goal reinvigorated the crowd and brought Bangladesh back into the contest at 1-2.
Javier Cabrera’s men surged forward in the final stages, with seven minutes of added time announced. Substitutes Shekh Morsalin and Al-Amin were introduced in an attempt to find the equaliser, but a chaotic substitution process momentarily disrupted the hosts’ momentum. Hamza Choudhury did his best to rally the crowd, as Bangladesh pushed for a second.
The match reached fever pitch in the dying minutes, with a massive penalty shout turned down by the referee after Irfan Najeeb’s sliding challenge in the box. Replays suggested the Singaporean defender may not have played the ball cleanly, but the official was unmoved and instead awarded a corner kick.
Singapore, determined to cling on, slowed the tempo and defended resolutely to see out the victory. Ikhsan Fandi, substituted in the 77th minute, was among those making way as the visitors looked to protect their lead.
At full-time, the Singapore bench erupted in celebration. The win lifts them above both India and Bangladesh in the group standings and marks a major step forward in their qualification hopes.
For Bangladesh, it was a night of frustration, compounded by goalkeeping blunders and missed opportunities. With just one point from their matches so far, Cabrera’s side face an uphill task in their remaining fixtures if they are to mount any serious challenge for progression.
Final Score: Bangladesh 1-2 Singapore
Scorers:
Bangladesh – Rakib Hossain (67’)
Singapore – Song Uiyoung (45’), Ikhsan Fandi (58’)