In a high-stakes rematch, Bangladesh triumphed over the Maldives with a narrow 2-1 victory in their second encounter, held on Saturday. This match followed their earlier face-off last Wednesday at the Bashundhara Arena in Dhaka, where the Maldives claimed a 1-0 win, setting the stage for an intense battle.
The Maldives took an early lead in the rematch, with Ali Fasir (Sentey) finding the net in the 23rd minute after a well-timed assist from Ibrahim Mahudhee Hussain. The goal showcased the Maldives’ precision in counter-attacks and hinted at another potential victory for the island nation.
However, Bangladesh quickly regrouped and displayed resilience, leveling the score just before halftime. Mojibor Rahman Jony delivered a spectacular top-corner strike in the 43rd minute, injecting energy into the home side and their supporters.
Throughout the second half, Bangladesh dominated possession, creating numerous opportunities and pressuring the Maldivian defense. Despite their relentless attacks, the scoreline remained tied at 1-1 as regulation time concluded.
The match extended into seven minutes of extra time, where Bangladesh’s persistence finally paid off. In the fourth minute of stoppage time, Papon Singh capitalized on a precise assist from MD Shahriar Emon, netting the winning goal and sealing a hard-fought victory for Bangladesh.
This win not only marked a sweet comeback for Bangladesh but also demonstrated their determination and tactical strength in competitive football. For the Maldives, the match highlighted their potential, though it underscored the challenges of maintaining momentum under sustained pressure.
The back-to-back encounters between these two South Asian teams have added excitement to the regional football scene, promising even more riveting matches in the future.
