Bangladesh’s AFC U-20 Asian Cup qualification campaign began with a 2-0 defeat to hosts Uzbekistan on Monday, as the young Bangladesh side struggled to cope with sustained pressure in Tashkent.
Uzbekistan controlled the match from the opening whistle at the Dostlik Stadium. Bangladesh rarely threatened the home defence and failed to register a single shot on target in the first half.
The hosts finally broke through in the 20th minute. Asilbek’s effort took a deflection inside the crowded Bangladesh penalty area and fell to Kuvanishbek Saidaliyev, who finished to put Uzbekistan ahead.
Bangladesh coach Gerard Jones reacted immediately. Four minutes later, he made two substitutions, bringing on England-based Adam Abbas for Raisul Islam and Australia-based Ehsan Malik for Kamal Mridha.
The changes did little to alter the pattern.
Uzbekistan continued to attack and could have gone into half-time with a bigger lead. Bangladesh goalkeeper Raj Chowdhury made several saves to keep the deficit at one.
The numbers showed just how heavily the first half tilted towards the hosts. Uzbekistan enjoyed almost 80 per cent possession and attempted 15 shots. Ten missed the target, while Bangladesh could not produce a shot of their own.
The second half offered little relief.
Uzbekistan doubled their lead just one minute after the restart. Saidaliyev delivered the cross and Kuvonchbek Kubonchbek rose to head the ball beyond Raj.
Bangladesh tried to respond and created a few attacking moments later in the match, but they could not break through the Uzbek defence.
The hosts came close to a third in the 75th minute when Dilshodbekov struck the crossbar.
The defeat leaves Bangladesh at the bottom of Group B after the opening round. India began their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Syria in the other group match, leaving Syria above Bangladesh despite also losing.
Bangladesh now face Syria on Thursday at the same venue. The result has made that match crucial for Jones’s side, who need a strong response to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Bangladesh entered the qualifiers with optimism after winning the SAFF U-20 Championship. The federation also brought in English coach Jones on a two-year contract to help develop the side.
However, recent turmoil around the coaching staff has provided an unwanted backdrop. Jones and assistant coach Atikur Rahman Mishu became involved in a physical altercation, raising questions about the team’s preparation.
Five overseas-based players form part of the Bangladesh squad. Adam Abbas attracted particular attention before the tournament, but Jones left him out of the starting XI against Uzbekistan.
The qualification format leaves little room for error. Eight group winners and the seven best runners-up will join hosts China in next year’s AFC U-20 Asian Cup finals.
After a flat opening performance against Uzbekistan, Bangladesh now need far more aggression, organisation and attacking intent against Syria.
