Uzbekistan trounce Bahrain;
Bosnia down Bangladesh

Uzbekistan exploited a sloppy defence to trounce Bahrain 5-0 in a Group D league match in the Sahara Millennium Cup football tournament at the Salt Lake stadium in Calcutta on Friday.

Medio Bahadir Annamatov and striker Oibek Usmankhodjaev pumped in two goals each, while Aleksey Zhdanov completed the tally with a deft strike, in a grossly one-sided encounter.

In another match at Kochi, Bosnia lived upto its reputation as pre-match favourites and crushed Bangladesh 2-0 in Group A.

Medio Almedin Hota struck both the goals for the winners after a goalless first half in the 55th and 60th minutes.

The Uzbeks, who went down 0-2 to a young Japanese side in the tournament lung-opener two days ago, put up an improved performance, building up their attacks with square and short passes to fox their opponents.

The winners shot into the lead in the 15th minute when Bahadir's delectable right footer from the right of the box, following a measured Zhdanov pass landed into the net.

They tightened their grip on the match 11 minutes later as Zhdanov converted a penalty with elan, placing the ball to the right of Bahrain custodian Rahman Abdulla.

Leading 2-0 at the breather, the Hiroshima Asian Games gold medallists maintained the pressure, striking thrice in the second session to complete Bahrain's cup of woes.

The scoreline became 3-0 in the 52nd minute, with Usmankhodjaev heading home following an incisive centre from Bahadir.

In the 66th minute, Bahadir struck again heading home a Evgeny Zakutilin lob, with Abdulla out of position.

A minute from the final whistle, a fast Uzbek counter attack saw Shukrat Mirkholdarshov essay a pass to Usmankhodjaev who scored with a deft left foot placement.

Bosnia beat Bangladesh 2-0

Bosnia dominated the proceedings and Bangladesh were all at sea against the marauding strike force of Admir Adzem and Sead Seferovic.

Bosnia could have won by a bigger margin but for the brilliant goalkeeping of Aminul Hoque who was at his best throughtout except for the two blemishes.

After a goalless first half, Bosnia forge ahead through Hota, who took full advantage of a cross by Mirzet Krupinac from the right flank.

Hota struck the second goal also with a sliding shot from a Mirsad Beslija pass which sealed the fate of the South Asian Federation champions.