Photo: Collected
Formidable Palestine handed Bangladesh a 5-0 defeat in Thursday’s (22 March) World Cup qualifying match at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait City.
Oday Dabbagh bagged a hat-trick while Shaheb Qunbar grabbed a brace for the 97th-ranked Palestinians against Javier Cabrera’s charges, who held their fort admirably until the 42nd minute when the floodgates opened.
The Lions of Canaan took a 2-0 lead into the break and scored three more times in the second half to complete the rout.
Anisur Rahman Zico was benched in favor of Mitul Marma between the sticks as Bangladesh deployed a 4-4-2 formation.
Topu Barman returned to the side and was slotted at the heart of defense alongside Bishwanath Ghosh in the absence of the injured Tariq Kazi.
Cabrera stationed Isa Faysal at his customary left-back position with the versatile Saad Uddin on the other flank.
Mohammad Ridoy got the responsibility of shielding the back four with Mohammad Sohel Rana, Mojibur Rahman Jony and captain Jamal Bhuiyan making up the midfield.
Rakib Hossain and Foysal Ahmed Fahim led the attack as the men in red and green were without the in-form Sheikh Morsalin, out with a foot injury.
RESULT
Palestine 5 (Dabbagh 43, 53, 77, Qunbar 45+1, 49) : 0 Bangladesh
Messenger/Mahbub
