Bangladesh lost 6-1 to Maldives in their second match of the SAFF Men’s Futsal Tournament in Bangkok on Saturday.
Maldives started the game strongly and stayed on top from the first minute. They scored four goals in the first half and went into the break with a 4-0 lead. Bangladesh got one goal back at the end of the half.
Bangladesh played with more control after the break. They tried to settle into the match and build attacks. But Maldives scored two more times in the second half. Bangladesh also created a few chances, yet they could not cut the margin.
The defeat was a big blow for Bangladesh after a strong first match against India. Bangladesh had taken a two-goal lead in that game. India later made it 2-2. India went ahead twice in the second half, but Bangladesh equalised both times and secured a draw.
Maldives looked more comfortable in futsal. They played with speed and confidence. Futsal is very popular in Malé, where people often play in the evenings and continue late into the night.
Bangladesh have now played two matches in the men’s tournament but are still without a win. The women’s team, however, started with a win. They beat India 3-1 in their first match. Captain Sabina Khatun scored twice, while Sumaiya scored once.
Bangladesh women will face Bhutan tomorrow. Six SAFF nations are playing in both the men’s and women’s events. Each team will play five matches. The team with the most points will become champions.
