Bangladesh may have been outplayed on the scoreboard, but history was written in Shah Alam. On Monday night, young forward Fayed Azim scored Bangladesh’s first-ever goal in international futsal, a moment that will live long in the memory even as hosts Malaysia cruised to a 7-1 victory in the Asian Futsal Qualifiers.
The strike came in the first half, giving Bangladesh a rare highlight in only their second match at this level. It was more than just a goal; it was a statement that the red and green had finally announced themselves in the fast-paced world of futsal.
For Bangladesh fans, it stirred memories of another landmark nearly fifty years ago. Back in 1973, Enayetur Rahman netted the nation’s first goal in international football during the Merdeka Cup in Malaysia. In a twist of fate, the stage for Bangladesh’s first futsal goal was also Malaysia. This time, it was Fayed Azim writing his name into the record books.
On the court, though, the gulf in class was evident. Malaysia led 3-1 at half-time and tightened their grip in the second half with four unanswered goals. The defeat followed Bangladesh’s bruising 12-0 loss to 13-time Asian champions Iran in their opener, but the team showed signs of progress.
Azim’s strike ensured the margin of defeat was smaller, and more importantly, it gave Bangladesh belief that they belong on this stage. Every minute against experienced sides like Iran and Malaysia offers valuable lessons for Golam Rabbani Choton’s men, who are still finding their feet in the international futsal arena.
Bangladesh will now face the United Arab Emirates in their final group game on 24 September. With two defeats already, the odds of progressing are slim. Only the eight group winners and the best seven runners-up will reach next year’s AFC Futsal Asian Cup. But whatever the result, the image of Fayad Azim wheeling away after scoring Bangladesh’s first futsal goal is one that cannot be erased.
