Bangladesh Under-20 suffered their second straight defeat in the AFC Under-20 Asian Cup qualifiers, losing 3-0 to Syria at Dostlik Stadium in Tashkent on Thursday.
The result leaves Gerard Jones’ side without a point from two matches and rooted to the bottom of Group B. Bangladesh had earlier lost 2-0 to hosts Uzbekistan.
Syria started strongly and created several chances early on. Abdullah Al Najar tested Bangladesh goalkeeper Raj Chowdhury in the 17th minute, but his placed effort was tipped over the crossbar. Syria threatened again six minutes later.
Bangladesh had their best chance in the 38th minute when Riyad Fahim’s angled shot was saved by Ismail Hadi and turned behind for a corner.
Syria broke the deadlock in the 44th minute. Al Najar’s backheel found Alan Mamour outside the box, and Mamour sent a low shot into the bottom corner.
Bangladesh conceded again in the first minute of stoppage time. A misplaced pass allowed Marios Alherek to take possession before doubling Syria’s lead.
Bangladesh tried to respond after the break but failed to create enough clear chances. Raj kept his side in the game with saves from Amer Ammar’s free-kick in the 73rd minute and Mamour’s effort in the 85th.
Syria completed the scoring in the 89th minute when Al Najar’s low free-kick from outside the penalty area rolled into the Bangladesh net.
Bangladesh will face India in their final group match on Sunday. Their qualification hopes could end before then if India draw with Uzbekistan.
The eight group winners and seven best runners-up will qualify for the main tournament. China, the hosts of next year’s AFC Under-20 Asian Cup, have already qualified automatically.
