Bangladesh 2:1 Maldives
The match had gone into extra time, with the scoreline locked at 1-1. Would Bangladesh’s 2024 end in a disappointing draw? No, it wouldn’t. In the third minute of added time, Papun Singh’s decisive goal secured a thrilling victory. Shahriar Emon’s precise cross from the left was brilliantly placed into the net by Papun. Overcoming a deficit, Bangladesh defeated the Maldives 2-1, ending the year on a jubilant note for players like Topu Barman and Sheikh Morsalin.
In the first FIFA friendly on November 13, Bangladesh had lost 1-0 to the Maldives. But in the second match, the hosts turned the tables, drawing the two-match series 1-1.
Bangladesh played eight matches in 2024, winning two of them. The first win was against Bhutan. They lost to Australia, Palestine, Bhutan, Lebanon (twice), and the Maldives. Across the year, Bangladesh scored three goals—two of them today. Sheikh Morsalin scored the other goal against Bhutan, while Mujibur Rahman (Jony) netted the first goal of today’s match.
The Bashundhara Kings Arena was packed, with Youth and Sports Advisor Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan among the spectators. The home crowd, however, saw Bangladesh concede a goal in the 23rd minute. A poor pass by captain and defender Topu Barman allowed the Maldives’ midfielder Ibrahim Hossain to take possession. He threaded a through ball to forward Ali Fasir, who slotted it home with a precise left-footed finish past two defenders. Incidentally, Fasir also scored the Maldives’ only goal in the previous match against Bangladesh.
Bangladesh equalized in the 43rd minute through a brilliantly executed move. Faisal Ahmed set up Mujibur inside the box, who then passed to Morsalin. Morsalin quickly returned it to Mujibur, and from just outside the box, Mujibur struck a stunning right-footed shot to make it 1-1. Maldives goalkeeper Hussain Sharif, despite diving to his left, couldn’t reach the ball. It was Mujibur’s second goal for the national team, the first coming against Cambodia in June 2023 in Phnom Penh.
Mujibur’s goal reignited hope in the Bangladesh camp, fueling their determination for a win. They created several chances in the second half. Rakib’s powerful shot was brilliantly saved by the Maldives goalkeeper, while debutant Piyas Ahmed Nova missed a golden opportunity in the 84th minute, sending his shot wide despite an open net.
Finally, Papun Singh’s match-winning goal sparked celebrations across the arena, as Bangladesh ended the year with a hard-fought and memorable victory.
