Bangladesh got their AFC U-17 Asian Cup qualification campaign off to a dismal start in the United Arab Emirates on Sunday, slumping to a heavy 5-1 defeat against a dominant Syria side in their Group C opener.
Lodewijk de Kruif’s side failed to cope with Syria’s relentless attacking tempo, conceding twice from the penalty spot alongside two costly second-half own goals.
The Syrians established early control and took the lead in the 14th minute when Ahmad Taha calmly converted from 12 yards. Kuisy Al-Salahni then doubled the advantage from another spot-kick late in the first half, before Arem Al-Mahmoud struck shortly before the interval to send Syria into the break with a commanding 3-0 cushion.
Bangladesh threatened a brief resurgence early in the second half when Bayezid Bostami pulled a goal back. However, any hopes of a fightback were effectively extinguished late on through defensive lapses. Tareq Hossain turned the ball into his own net in the 77th minute, and Maruf conceded a second own goal in stoppage time to complete a miserable outing for the young Tigers.
Bangladesh will look to reset when they return to action in their second group fixture against Bhutan on Saturday.
