Singapore, February 17: Had it not been for the penalty kick that the Malaysian goalie saved, the scoreline might have looked much different than 2-1.

The Bengal girls, however, did not let a missed opportunity get to them and narrowed the difference in an injury time goal from Shopna, who has been the star of this campaign.

Bangladesh started off playing rather well and showing potential from the very beginning. The first goal was conceded at the very end of the first half on the 44th minute just after the vice captain’s shot 40-yard shot hit the cross bar.

Malaysia, ranked 82nd in the world, just managed to hold its own in an almost even match where it was difficult to tell which was better ranked.

They took down Shopna on the 73rd minute in the 18 yard box resulting in a penalty. Sabina KHatun’s shot was spectacularly saved by the Malaysian goalkeeper to keep that score 1-0 in Malaysia’s favour.

In fact that was not the only time that goalie saved Malaysia. There was another opportunity for Sabina to equalise on the 89th minute but the goalie saved that one-on-one chance.

Malaysia scored for the second time on the 90th minute.

Bangladesh’s reply on 93rd minute from Shopna was a little too late to allow for another one.

However, given that Bangladesh fought so well against Malaysia which is an even better team than Singapore that Bangladesh faced on Thursday, it goes without saying that the women’s side visibly continues to improve.

The women’s team will watch hosts Singapore take on Malaysia on Saturday at the third and final match of the Women’s Development Tournament in Singapore.