Nepal midfielder Anjan Bista (R) celebrates one of his three goals against Bangladesh during their FIFA international friendly match at the Dashrath Stadium in Kathmandu on Tuesday. — Courtesy photo
Bangladesh conceded a 1-3 defeat to hosts Nepal in their international friendly match at the Dashrath Stadium in Kathmandu on Tuesday.
Winning team midfielder Anjan Bista struck a hat-trick inside the first half before Bangladesh forward Sazzad Hossain pulled one goal back in the second half.
Bangladesh played an organised game from the beginning against high-pressing Nepal, but the visiting captain, Jamal Bhuyian’s free-kick, jolted the opponent team’s crossbar in the 17th minute.
A minute later, Nepal got the lead as Anjan’s header from goalmouth melee found the back of the net after a free-kick by midfielder Bimal Gharti Magar.
The game was moving on with the same tempo and Bangladesh keeper Anisur Rahman Zico fisted defender Tej Tamang’s attempt from the box, but Anjan took the shot on that rebounder to double the margin in the 27th minute.
Anjan completed his treble in the 38th minute with a header from goalmouth after a free-kick taken by defender Suman Aryal.
Bangladesh adopted a counter-attacking based strategy in the second half that bore fruit in the 57th minute.
Forward Sazzad Hossain’s diving header from the goal mouth beat Nepal keeper and captain Kiran Kumar Limbo following a cross by midfielder Rakib Hossain.
Spanish coach Javier Cabrera’s charges played better in the remaining time of the game, but none of their attacks could do any harm to the Nepalese defence.
This was Bangladesh’s eighth defeat against Nepal in their 27 meetings since September 1983. Bangladesh won 14 times against Nepal and had five draws in their other games.
It was the seventh defeat in eight matches for Bangladesh under Cabrera’s tutelage since the Spaniard’s stint began with the national team in January this year by replacing English coach Jamie Day.
Under Cabrera’s supervision, Bangladesh could register only one win against hosts Cambodia (1-0) in a friendly on September 22.