Selangor, December 13: An inspiring performance from the U-14 boys results in a 3-2 win over Saswco FC, Indonesia on Tuesday.

Saswco FC, Indonesia replaced Myanmar U-16 at the very last minute.

Bangladesh’s 2nd match at this instalment of the Super Mokh Cup got underway at the Panasonic National Sports Centre, Shah Alam, Selangor at 9:20am (local time).

The spirited match saw Bangladesh taking an early lead, courtesy of a beautiful counter attack which was finished by Miraj Molla on the 18th minute.

Saswco FC equalized through a penalty scored by Amanar Abdillah on the 46th minute.

Bangladesh retaliated quickly and took the lead once again through Arif Hossen’s goal on the 48th minute.

Saswco FC equalized again on the 56th minute through a goal by Andri Febriansyah.

Shortly afterwards, Bangladesh clinched their victory by the second goal of the evening by Miraj Molla on the 59th minute.

Bangladesh played amazing football throughout the game and dominated the field.

Miraj Mollah, Arif Hossen and Captain Fahim Morshed missed 6-7 easy chances that could have been converted.

Goalkeeper Emon Hawladar played a good game saving 2 shots on target.

Bangladesh will have to win in their next group game against Kawasaki Frontale, Japan on Wednesday to qualify for the cup knock-out stage.

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.

The primary selection for the squad 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.

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.