Bangladesh whipped Bhutan by pumping in three goals in the penultimate group fixture of the tournament as a strike from Topu Barman followed by a brace from Hossain Rony ensured the Bengal Tigers ended their campaign on a high.
Having already been knocked out after defeats to Afghanistan and Maldives, Bangladesh and Bhutan contested the nickel-and-dime clash as a mere formality, with only pride at stake.
First Half :
Both the sides made a handful of changes going into the game, and that was reflected in the proceedings as chances flew in thick and fast from either ends of the field in the opening five minutes.
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However, Bangladesh succesfully broke the deadlock when Barman headed the ball home from close range in the 8th minute. Mamun's corner was met by Yeasin in the far post who set up an easy finish for the 21-year old defender.
The Bengal Tigers appeared the better side going forward by far, as the game progressed, and unsurprisingly, doubled their tally soon as Hussain Rony struck a powerful penalty into the bottom left corner. Chimi Dorji was given his marching orders by the referee in a curious case of mistaken identity, as replays suggested Jigme tripped Shekawat Rony in the box.
Nonetheless, the resulting penalty was nonchalantly converted by Rony as the Bangladeshis held a commanding 2-0 lead going into the break.
Second Half :
The second stanza saw the teams running out of flair as the game was played at a relatively slower pace and chances came at a premium. However, Bangladesh, for all their dominance, inflicted more damage on the hapless Bhutan as Rony doubled his tally for the evening.
Collecting the ball 35 yards out, the forward ran the length of the pitch and clinically slotted the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper to kill the tie off. The rest of the match was played at a snail’s pace, and Bangladeshi substitutes Jewel and Sohail Rana meekly spurned a few chances to extend the lead towards the fag end.
That mattered little however, as Bangladesh comfortably ran out 3-0 victors to finish 3rd in group B, and ended their campaign on a positive note. Bhutan meanwhile, endured a miserable campaign, finishing with a goal difference of -8, and return home to lick their wounds.
