Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Dhaka: Faizat Ghazli’s late header helped Malaysia’s U-22 side claim the Bangabandhu Gold Cup title thanks to a 3-2 win over hosts Bangladesh on Sunday.
The Young Tigers were first out of the gate through skipper Nazirul Naim Che Hashim’s strike from a 29th minute free-kick, a lead they duly doubled before the end of the half courtesy of S Kumaahran’s goal.
The second half, however, saw a different home team as Jahid Hasan Ameli reduced the arrears for Bangladesh in the 48th minute.
Yeasin Khan then headed home an equaliser six minutes later from Mohd Mamunul Islam's free-kick.
But it was Faizat who rose to the occasion with the winning goal as he nodded home a corner from Muhammad Syazwan Andik Mohd Ishak in the final minutes of the match.
The last time Malaysia lifted the Bangabandhu Gold Cup was back in the 1997 and the victory in Dhaka represents head coach Razip Ismail’s first international title with the team.
The win will come as a major boost for the young Malaysians who are set to face Japan, Vietnam and Macau in Group I at the AFC U-23 Championship 2016 Qualifiers from March 23-31.
Photo: FAM