Bangladesh’s hopes in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers came to an end after a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat against Yemen in Vietnam. A late strike from Al-Awami proved decisive, sealing Bangladesh’s exit from the tournament.
The match started with both teams showing energy despite the draining heat. Bangladesh looked to have corrected some mistakes from their opening defeat to Vietnam. Instead of relying on long balls, they tried to build from the back, using the wings and working their way into midfield. Yemen, however, looked sharp on the counter-attack and created several chances in the opening half. Both sides battled hard, but the first 45 minutes ended goalless.
Bangladesh made a double change on 63 minutes, bringing on Rabby and Zisan for Fahamedul and Alamin. The decision frustrated Fahamedul, who had been effective on the left alongside Zayyan Ahmed, and his disappointment was visibly clear as he left the pitch.
This time, Bangladesh’s midfield looked far more assured compared to their struggles against Vietnam. Morsalin dictated play in the attacking role, while Jahid Shanto and Shakil Ahad Topu stayed composed at centre-back, calmly passing and clearing when required. Behind them, Srabon delivered another commanding performance in goal. On 77 minutes he pulled off an excellent save to deny a powerful low free-kick from Yemen, and moments later he stopped another strong attempt from Mahross.
Bangladesh controlled possession for large parts of the match but struggled to break Yemen’s compact, narrow defensive block. Forced into wide areas, they delivered crosses into the box, but Yemen’s physical presence meant those efforts rarely caused real problems. Yemen, by contrast, looked more dangerous going forward. They tried their luck with several shots from outside the box and stayed threatening on the counter.
In the 85th minute Sabbir and Morsalin were replaced by Shalik and Mohsin, but the balance of the game changed dramatically two minutes later. Jony was shown a red card for a reckless high boot that caught an opponent in the face, leaving Bangladesh down to ten men. From the resulting free kick, Al-Shami forced another strong save from Srabon, and the following corner led to a fierce shot from Mahross which Srabon again kept out.
The dismissal tilted the match firmly in Yemen’s favour. They pushed forward with more numbers and Bangladesh were pinned back. Off the ball, Yemen’s 5-3-2 formation kept them defensively solid while allowing quick transitions into attack.
Bangladesh’s resistance finally broke in stoppage time. Al-Shami outwitted Rimon on the flank, drove into space and cut the ball back to Al-Awami, who finished with ease to make it 1-0. For once, even Srabon, who had stood like a wall all evening, could do nothing.
The final whistle confirmed Bangladesh’s elimination from the qualifiers. Despite spells of control and several chances, their inability to convert in the box, coupled with lapses in the final minutes, cost them dearly. Yemen, who had less possession overall but looked superior in attack, took full advantage and walked away with all three points.