Kuala Lumpur, December 12: Despite valiant efforts, the U-14 boys succumbed to a 0-1 loss in a tight game against Malaysia Cougars on Monday.

Bangladesh campaign at this instalment of the Super Mokh Cup got underway at the MSN Field D, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur at 9:20am (local time).

The spirited match saw Bangladesh create opportunity on the 17^th minute, which forward Miraz Mollah failed to capitalise on.

Malaysia Cougars missed a penalty on the 35^th minute, as defender Zihan handled the ball inside the box. The ball hit the post.

The second half saw Malaysia gain momentum as the visitors’ intensity started to decrease.

On the 70^th minute, the goalkeeper and a defender were in a mix up to award the Malaysians a free kick.

Mohammad Alias Bin Alan converted the set piece to help his team get away with full 3 points.

Goalkeeper Emon Howladar played a good game saving 6-7 shots on target.

Bangladesh also created a few good chances but failed to convert.

Nazmul, Miraz, Captain Fahim Morshed and Zihan also played a good game for the visitors but were unlucky to end up on the losing side.

Overall, Bangladesh got 3 corner kicks whereas Malaysia got 11.

Bangladesh were awarded 2 free kicks whereas Malaysia were awarded 3, one of which they converted to claim victory.

Bangladesh will play their next group game against Myanmar U-14 on Tuesday.

Background

The Under-14 boys’ team serves as a platform to develop future potential that will go on to form the nucleus of the men’s national side. Based on the results at U-13 and U-12 levels, the Under-14 programme is doing exactly what needs to be done — prepare players to shine and succeed at the next level as well as to bring glory to the country in international age level competitions.

The current team of 18 has been picked from the grassroots level. A number of players were picked two years back, during an U-12 player hunt. The current crop also includes 13 from last year’s trophy winning U-12 squad that emerged champions in the plate round of the Super Mokh Cup 2015 crushing the Malaysian side CIMB-YFA 3-0 in the final in Kuala Lumpur. 

The champions, however, had to take part in the final trial session, while a number of other players were called up. The initial squad was selected on November 15 this year. 

The primary selection commenced with 265 players from all over the country at trials in three districts: Dhaka, Khulna and Chittagong. Coaching staff of the Bangladesh Football Federation picked 100 players at that level, who were further screened to 46 at subsequent trials. Following another trial at the BKSP field and Kamalapur turf, 26 remained. Of them, the coaches have taken out another eight players based on their performance at practice sessions and matches.

Although, this team has not had much time to gel, the coaches are hopeful of a successful future since they plan to groom this group to represent Bangladesh at the next age level. “That would give us much more time to work with the players and bring them together as a team,” said Mahbubul Alam Paulo.