Photo: BSS

DHAKA, June 10, 2025 (BSS) - Despite a fighting performance, Bangladesh suffered a 2-1 goal defeat to Singapore in the Asian Cup Qualifiers in front of passionate home fans and under the floodlight at National Stadium today (Tuesday). 
 
Bangladesh went attack from the beginning of the match and they continued their fighting with Singapore till the last whistle. Probably luck did not favor for Bangladesh as despite showing good brand of football, the hosts had to leave the field with empty hand.

Singapore got the first scoring chance in the ninth minute, midfielder Song Uiyoung after losing his control, filed to take the shot properly off a pass from Stewart and the ball went out of play beside the right side bar.

Bangladesh could have taken the lead in the 16th minute. Shakil Ahad Tapu's cross from the right fell in front of Rakib standing inside the small D box but the forward disappointed everyone, as he could not connect with the ball and Bangladesh deprived from the first goal.

Bangladesh survived from the certain goal in the 30th minute. Bangladesh were saved in the 31st minute by Mitul's great save. Forward Ikhsan Fandi ran down from the left wing and took a powerful left footer shot before the open net but Mitul Marma saved the ball brilliantly diving his left before it could crash the back net.

In the next minute, Bangladesh had a chance to take lead. Debutant Shamit Shome provided a well-judge pass to Rakib after dodging past two Singapore defenders but Rakib failed to utilize the opportunity.

Bangladesh got a free kick in the 35th minute but Hazma Choudhury's powerful shot from outside the D box sailed harmlessly over the cross bar.

Singapore finally took the lead in the 45th minute, silencing the local football fans. Mitul Marma, after coming forward, punched the ball but could not clear the danger properly as the ball went to the Singapore players standing in front of the box. Although Singapore failed to send the ball in the first attempt, Song Uiyoung made no mistake to send the ball to the empty net on the second attempt. Hamza however tried to clear the ball though the ball had already crossed the goal line.

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The second goal came for Singapore after the resumption. Ikhsan Fandi scored the second goal for Singapore in the 58th minute with a shot from the close range. 

Conceding two goals, the hosts applied relentless pressure to stage a fight back in the match and their best moment came in the 67th minute when forward Rakib Hossain pulled one back for Bangladesh utilizing a through pass from Hamza.

Bangladesh found some confidence after the goal and desperately tried to fight back creating several scoring chances. Singapore tactically astute in the second half, not allowing the Bangladesh time or space to mount a comeback.

A few late attempts by Bangladesh to salvage pride, Singapore's backline remained resolute and wrapped up their assured performance.

Earlier, Canada-based Shamit Shome made his debut for Bangladesh in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers match against Singapore.

Shamit is one of three changes from the Bangladesh that won a FIFA International friendly match 2-0 against Bhutan held at the same venue last week.

There are two changes in midfield, with regular captain Jamal Bhuyan and Sohel Rana making way for Shamit and Mohammad Ridoy.

Shakil Ahad Topu replaces Taaj Uddin on the right-back position as there is no change in attack and coach Cabrera kept his faith on Mitul Marma under the bar.

Bangladesh XI - Shakil Topu, Topu Barman, Md Ridoy, Hamza Choudhury, Rakib Hossain, Mitul Marma, Tariq Rahman Kazi, Fahamedul Islam, Kirmanee, Saad Uddin and Shamit Shome.