Bangladesh began their 18th Asian Games football campaign with a sad note when they went down to Uzbekistan by 3-0 yesterday at Pakan Sari Stadium, Jakarta.

It was predictable that Bangladesh would concede defeat but the way they played was not at all impressive while they tried best and worked hard to through some challenges while in the first half they could halt the stronger side on 1-0 and also opened a chance to equalise.

But the favorites added two more goals in the second half with Urinboev Zabikhillo and Alibaev Ikromjon scored apiece.  

However, the Urinboe Zabikhillo led Uzbekistan in a fluky fashion in the 23rd minute when the forward lifted a pass over the defense from touch line, Urinboe Zabikhillo, who was left free inside the danger area had no trouble to net the ball (1-0).

Rest of the first half Bangladesh kept their post untouched being under huge pressure, as Uzbeks despite playing one-sided game with full domination failed to increase the first half tally, obviously thanks to goalkeeper Ashraful Islam Rana, who displayed incredible performance under the bar to deny at least half a dozen strong chances in 90 minutes game.

Uzbekistan turned to a more desperate side in the second half to increase the margin and doubled the advantage on 57th minute through Urinboev Zabikhillo when it looked that the defenders were in right position, as the forward was also fully unmarked inside the box to fire home.  

This time from a combined attack midfielder Sidikov Javokhir raced past the defense and crossed the ball to Urinboev Zabikhillo through the box as Urinboev Zabikhillo controlled the ball and fired it home (2-0).  

Uzbeks continued their pressure and scored the third and it was also a result of  Bangladesh defenders’ blunder when this time also they left enough space for the midfielder Alibaev Ikromjon inside the area when he took a strong left footer on a his fellow midfielder Masharipove Jaloliddin, though goalkeeper Rana tried to fist but could not hold on to the ball to go into the top corner of the net 3-0.

Bangladesh, who could rare chance against the strong opponents to cross the midfield to make threat, was very closer to find the net but an effort of Fahad was cancelled for offside after Rahmat Meah’s throw in went to Fahad at the edge of the area and his superb side-volley was also went into the net but was disallowed for offside on 24th minute just a minute later conceding the goal.

Bangladesh will play their second match against Qatar, another powerhouses in Asia, who will organsie the World Cup 2022.