Shekh Morsalin guided hosts Bangladesh to a 1-1 draw with the superior rivals Lebanon in their home match of the four-team Group I of the FIFA World Cup Asian Qualfiers at the housefull Bashundhara Kings Arena in Dhaka on Tuesday (Nov 21) evening. This was the first draw between 183rd-ranked Bangladesh and 104th-ranked Lebanon in their fourth meeting since 2011. In three previous encounters, Lebanon beat Bangladesh twice and lost one.
The tourists fared better in the second half and went ahead capitalizing on a defensive blunder by the Bangladesh backline as attacking midfielder Osman, who came off the bench, was at the right place at the right time.
The lead sustained for just five minutes as young attacker Morsalin equalized from outside the box and brought out a wild celebration. The 17-year old received the ball, ran towards the opposition goal before unleashing a powerful right-footer that went past the Lebanon goalkeeper and sparked huge celebrations at the stadium. Morsalin was immediately cautioned by the referee for climbing the fence and celebrating with fans.
Australia currently lead Group I with three points while Lebanon are second with two points having played a game more. Palestine and Bangladesh have a solitary point each but the former are third with a superior goal difference having played a match less.
The Socceroos and the Palestinians will face other on Tuesday in Kuwait.
The Tigers had started their qualifiers campaign with a 7-0 loss away to Australia while Lebanon and Palestine played out a goalless draw in Sharjah.
After defeat to Australia, Javier Cabrera made four changes to his side. Shakil Hossain replaced Hasan Murad at the defence, the suspended defender Saad Uddin made way for Isa Faysal, Morsalin came in for the suspended winger Rakib Hossain while Mohammad Sohel Rana was included instead of midfielder Mojibur Rahman Jony – suffering a red-card ban.
Bangladesh
Mitul Marma (Mehdi Hasan Srabon), Bishwanath Ghosh, Tariq Raihan Kazi, Isa Faisal, Shakil Hossain, Jamal Bhuyan (Captain), Rabiul Hasan, Md. Sohel Rana, Md. Ridoy (Mojibur Rahman Jony), Foysal Ahmed Fahim (Rafiqul Islam), and Shekh Morsalin.
