Bangladesh put up an improved showing but could not avert defeat, losing 1-0 to Singapore in their second Group A match of the FIFA ASEAN Cup at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia on Monday.
Ryan Stewart’s first-half goal proved to be the difference between the two sides in a contest where Bangladesh showed some signs of fight, but were eventually outdone by a better team.
Head coach Thomas Dooley made four changes to the starting XI that had suffered a 3-0 drubbing against Malaysia, benching Sohel Rana, Farhaan Ali Wahid, Shakil Ahad Topu and Fahamedul Islam in favour of captain Jamal Bhuyan, Shekh Morsalin, Shuki Itofusa and Zidane Yusuf.
The new-look Bangladesh started the match well, enjoying plenty of possession in the first 15 minutes, but failed to capitalize on the early momentum.
Singapore slowly grew into the contest, testing Bangladesh goalkeeper Mehedi Hasan Srabon in the 33rd minute from a free-kick, which the keeper blocked and defender Tariq Kazi cleared.
But two minutes later, Bangladesh’s defenders were caught napping as a cross from Abdullah Noor from the left flank came flying into the box and an unmarked Stewart came running in to head it home.
Bangladesh managed to hold out Singapore for the rest of the half, but failed to make an attempt at goal while Singapore managed five, four of which were on target.
In the second half, Singapore made a bright start, forcing Mehedi to parry an attempt at goal over the bar in the 47th minute.
Dooley rang in three changes in the second half to invigorate his side. Fahamedul, who replaced Shuki down the left flank, produced Bangladesh’s best chance in the second half in the 79th minute.
He sent a cross into the box, which Rakib Hossain connected with header, but the ball deflected off a defender and went out of play for a corner.
Bangladesh failed to produce any clear-cut opportunity for the rest of the match and had to accept their second straight defeat in the competition.
Dooley’s charges will next play hosts Indonesia on October 1 in their final group phase match.