Bangladesh’s Olympic football team missed out on a place in the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament final after a 1-1 draw against hosts Maldives at the National Stadium in Male on Sunday. Bangladesh needed a win to reach the final but finished third with three points from three matches.
The match produced controversy, a red card and a late flare-up between players from both sides. Bangladesh fell behind early after conceding a penalty. Defender Pronoy Enosent Marandi brought down an opponent inside the box and the referee pointed straight to the spot.
Bangladesh pushed for an equaliser and created pressure before the break. The visitors believed they should have received a penalty of their own during the first half, but the referee waved play on despite strong appeals from the Bangladesh players.
Coach Maruful Haque’s side attacked with greater intent after the restart. Their pressure paid off in the 53rd minute when Mirajul Islam converted a penalty to level the score at 1-1.
Bangladesh looked for a winning goal but their task became harder when Al Amin received a red card after protesting a refereeing decision. The dismissal left Bangladesh with 10 men during the closing stages.
Tempers boiled over near the end as players from both teams became involved in a confrontation on the pitch. Match officials eventually restored order and the game finished level.
Bangladesh entered the tournament with draws against Pakistan and Afghanistan. A victory against Maldives would have secured a place in the final, but the draw ended their campaign. The Olympic side completed the competition with three points from three matches and failed to reach Wednesday’s final.
