'I’m truly sorry, Bangladesh': Srabon apologises after costly error ends SAFF hopes

Bangladesh goalkeeper Mehedi Hasan Srabon has apologised to his teammates, coaches and supporters on Facebook, a day after his mistake allowed Pakistan to score the only goal of the SAFF Championship semi-final on Saturday, November 14. The message was posted on Sunday, November 15.

“I dreamed of celebrating with you all last night, not writing these words with a heavy heart.

An unfortunate slip changed everything, and I know the disappointment it caused. I take this moment as a painful lesson. My sincere apologies to my teammates, coaches and every supporter.

I’m truly sorry, Bangladesh.”

Srabon had been one of Bangladesh’s best players until the error. He saved from Ali Uzair in the second minute and again denied Pakistan in the 25th, before stopping Adil Nabi’s low, angled shot in the 76th and Ali Khan’s effort in the 85th.

Then came the mistake. Restarting play, he gave the ball to Pakistan substitute Hayyaan Khattak, who found Abdul Samad Shahzad on the right of the area. Shahzad’s low left-footed shot beat Srabon at the far post, and it was the only goal.

Play stopped for almost five minutes after the goal because of smoke flares in the crowd. Bangladesh could not find an equaliser, and Pakistan reached the SAFF final for the first time. They face defending champions India, who beat Bhutan 2-1, on November 17.

Srabon has faced heavy criticism on social media since the match. Coach Thomas Dooley and captain Hamza Choudhury both stood by him afterwards, with Hamza saying the defeat belonged to all 11 players.

Another voice was less forgiving of the team’s wider approach. Jamal Bhuyan, who was not brought on until the second minute of added time, said he had been angry since the final whistle and was unable to sleep.

He questioned the tactics, saying Bangladesh had known Pakistan would play five defenders but could not find a solution. He also felt Hamza should have been rested once the team led Sri Lanka 2-0, given the 48-hour turnaround.

Jamal added that selection remains the coach’s decision, and that the management also needs to learn from the night. The players left the team hotel one by one on Sunday, and there was not a smile among them.

Bangladesh, who last won the title in 2003, had hoped to reach their first final since 2005.