Selangor, December 14: Despite a brave performance, the U-14 boys suffered 1-2 defeat over Kawasaki Frontale, Japan on Wednesday.

Bangladesh’s 3rd match at this instalment of the Super Mokh Cup got underway at the TSI Sports Arena, Cyberjaya, Selangor at 9:20am (local time).

A counter-attack after Miraj Molla’s missed opportunity saw Bangladesh concede on the 2nd minute of the game. The goal was scored by Kawasaki’s Yuma Igari.

Immediately Bangladesh took control of the game. A goal was discarded as offside.

Arif Hossen scored a beautiful equalizer from a direct free kick at the 17th minute.

Bangladesh played good attacking football for the rest of the half and missed some opportunities to take a lead. Goalkeeper Emon saved many opposition attacks.

Shortly after the second half started, Kawasaki forward Yuma Igari scored his second to take the lead on the 40th minute.

Kawasaki Frontale dominated the football and kept possession most of the time. Bangladesh goalkeeper Emon Howladar kept the score respectable through many brilliant saves to deny Kawasaki scoring more goals.

Miraj received his 2nd yellow card of the game and was sent off at the 69th minute. He will miss the next game.

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

Goalkeeper Emon Hawladar kept Bangladesh in the game for a long time and put in a brilliant performance to keep the score honourable.

Overall, Bangladesh got 3 corner kicks whereas Kawasaki got 7.

Bangladesh converted the only free kick they were awarded while Kawasaki got 3 free kicks.

Bangladesh have failed to reach the cup knock-out stage and will play in the plate group.

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.