Bangladesh football team defeated Oman’s top-tier outfit Muscat Club 3-1 in their first practice match Thursday (Nov 7), ahead of their fourth Group E World Cup and Asian Cup joint qualifying match against Oman on Nov 14.
Striker Nabib Newaj Jibon put the visiting side ahead in the 12th minute, placing in a cross of Biplo Ahmed, but the lead was cancelled out by the home side five minutes later when Tareq converted a penalty following a Bishwanath Ghosh foul.
Biplo doubled the lead in the 28th minute on a rebound after Jibon’s initial attempt was blocked by the goalkeeper.
Substitute forward Towhidul Alam Sabuj sealed victory in the 65th minute, utilizing a blunder from the opponent keeper following a long throw-in by Rayhan Hasan.
Jamie Day fielded a usual starting XI except midfielder Rakib Hossain, who earlier replaced Jewel Rana to become the only change in the final 23-man squad from the previous joint qualifier against India and Qatar last month.
The English head coach tried all his three goalkeepers while making as many as 11 changes in the second half.
First-choice goalkeeper Ashraful Islam Rana started the game before being replaced by Anisur Rahman Zico during the break.
Shahidul Alam Sohel replaced Zico in the second half and saved a penalty in the 73rd minute after Tutul Hossain Badshah’s handball.
Muscat were reduced to 10 men in the 82nd minute when their captain received a red card.
Team manager Satyajit Das Rupu said after the game, “This match gave the coach an opportunity to see all his players. Coach will work on our mistakes. We may play another practice match before the game against Oman on Nov 14.”