Despite a spirited fightback and a strong second-half showing, Bangladesh suffered a 2-1 defeat to Singapore in their Asian Cup Qualifiers clash at the National Stadium on Tuesday evening. Head coach Javier Cabrera was left ruing missed opportunities and a string of early mistakes, insisting that his side had been the better team on the night.
Expectations were high following Bangladesh’s impressive display against India in March, with the fixture against Singapore generating immense excitement. Tickets sold out within hours, and supporters began arriving at the stadium two to three hours before kick-off. However, their hopes were dashed by the final whistle, and the sense of disappointment was palpable.
The match turned tense in the second half, with frustration spilling over in the stands. Bottles were thrown onto the pitch, prompting concern, though Cabrera clarified that the ire was directed at the referee rather than the players.
“There can be some disappointment for sure and some supporters that can be frustrated,” said Cabrera during the post-match press conference. “If you look back at the performance with some perspective, we were right there against a good team. I don’t think they were better than us; at times, we were the better side. If the match had ended 2-2, that would probably have been the fairest result. I understand that expectations were high, but the result was a disappointing one.”
Singapore took the lead just before half-time when Song Ui-Young volleyed home from close range after a throw-in led to a dangerous cross from Hariss Harun. Goalkeeper Mitul Marma’s half-clearance allowed Harun time and space to deliver the assist.
The hosts were dealt a further blow in the 57th minute when striker Ikhsan Fandi capitalised on a rebound, drilling a powerful diagonal finish beyond Mitul after the keeper had parried a stinging long-range effort from Hami Syahin.
Rakib Hossain gave Bangladesh a lifeline in the 67th minute with a composed finish to make it 2-1. The goal galvanised the home side, who piled pressure on the visitors in the final 20 minutes. However, an equaliser remained elusive despite their efforts.
Cabrera conceded that his team had faltered under pressure in the first half, making critical errors that ultimately proved costly.
“We started the match just as we wanted — energetic, pressing high — but we made mistakes in the first 15 to 20 minutes,” he said. “After that, our energy and intensity dropped. Singapore grew in confidence — they’re a quality team, comfortable on the ball. We struggled and conceded a goal we could have avoided.”
Still, the Spaniard was keen to highlight the team’s resilience.
“We should be proud of our second-half performance. The players were brave and gave everything. We created chances and probably deserved at least a point. But again, they had their moments too, and sometimes the game swings at the end — we have to accept that.”
Midfielder Hamza Choudhury, who had been outstanding in the previous fixture against India, along with debutant Shamit Shome, appeared less assured against a tactically disciplined Singapore side. However, Cabrera came to the defence of both players.
“It was more difficult to manage than the match in India,” he explained. “India pressed higher and left space for us to attack, but Singapore didn’t give us that. They were very compact inside, which is usually where you find Hamza and Shamit. So it’s not about Hamza specifically — it was simply a tougher kind of game to manage.
“In attack, especially, it was harder for our main players to stand out. But Hamza, like the others, was very energetic. He led from within and gave his best.”
Cabrera also commended Shome’s overall contribution, despite a nervy start.
“I think Shamit was good. He probably struggled a bit in the first half, as did the rest of the team, in adjusting to the pressure. But once we readjusted, he performed well, good actions in the final third, solid final passes. I think it was a good debut.”
While the result leaves Bangladesh’s qualification hopes hanging in the balance, Cabrera will be hoping his side can learn from the experience and bounce back in their upcoming fixtures. For now, though, it is a case of what might have been.