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Bangladesh win SAF soccer

Bangladesh created history by winning their first football gold at the SAF Games in Kathmandu today.

Though Bangladesh had appeared in the final five times previously, their dream of winning the gold eluded them. However, today was their day.

Playing before a packed stadium, Bangladesh realised their dream with a solitary-goal victory over hosts Nepal. Their star striker Alfaz Ahmed scored the all-important goal at the stroke of half-time.

Following their stunning 1-0 victory over fancied India, Bangladesh had the crowd behind them right from the start. Striker Mohammad Iqbal Hussain's shot from outside the box rebounded after hitting the post. Following a goalmouth skirmish, Alfaz displayed fine anticipation and banged the ball home, clearly outsighting Nepal goalkeeper Binod Kharel, who replaced Upendra Mansingh. The latter, who had done so well in this tournament, had to sit out for this all-important match having received two yellow cards.

Nepal played their hearts out and came close to scoring on a number of occasions, but a resolute and crowded Bangladesh defence, manned by their dependable skipper Jewel Rana, hung on gamely to deny them any success.

Earlier, India salvaged some pride with a face-saving 3-1 victory over Maldives to win the bronze.

The Indians struck twice at the fag end of play to emerge winners.

It was Maldives who called the shots in the initial phase, scoring as early as in the sixth minute through A G Mausam, who made most of a defensive lapse.

Unperturbed by the reverse, India gradually took control and restored parity through star striker I M Vijayan in the 16th minute.

Off a free-kick by skipper Joe Paul Ancheri, Vijayan just jumped in time to head the ball home to score his seventh goal of this Games.

India forged ahead four minutes from time. Off a pass from Raman Vijayan, striker Sabir Pasha sidestepped a defender and placed the ball home with his trademark left footer.

Raman Vijayan then completed the tally three minutes later, scoring off a pass from medio Hardeep Sangha.

UNI