Lebanon began their SAFF campaign with a win against Bangladesh 2-0 on Thursday at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru, India.
Bangladesh conceded the goals in the last 10 minutes of the match when Hassan Matouk and Kahlil Bader scored a piece each.
Both teams came into the tie seeking to make winning start and Lebanon targeting first victory at their first appearance as guest team in the SAFF tournament and they did it.
Both sides began cautiously, as no exciting moment was produced from any end.
Bangladesh availed the first opportunity of the game to break the deadlock in the 11th minute off a free-kick from some five feet away from the box, but Isa Faisal’s effort was denied by the goalkeeper.
Isa Faisal failed to take a cracking shot, as his ordinary kick could make trouble for the Lebanese keeper to glove it.
Lebanon also took a half chance with a forward taking a powerful shot from top of the box that went outside the post. And just half an hour mark of the game put Bangladesh under tremendous pressure but could not make any fruitful finish.
On the 33rd minute Anisur Rahman Zico made a good save. Lebanon then continued their strong moves and Bangladesh defenders dealt with successfully leaving not enough space to make danger.
Bangladesh played a lot of miss passes paving the way for Lebanon to build up their attacks.
However, Bangladesh could produce chances but due to plenty of wrong passes failed to fabricate any strong moves.
Lebanon continuing their attacks put Bangladesh under pressure right from the start of the second half and about to create chances but defenders fought down the efforts of the opponent forwards.
Bangladesh came out for a quick back to back counter attack in the 61st and 62nd minutes and had a golden opportunity to score goals.
First one initinited from a through pass from Sohel Rana. Faisal Hossain Fahim after receiving the ball in an open space ran faster to have Lebanon keeper in a one on one situation inside the area, but missed from inside the box as his efforts were by the keeper.
Lebanon went ahead on 80th minute when Tarique Kazi missed a ball almost at midfield, Darwish had the ball possession and made a square pass for Hassan Matouk, who did not miss beating Zico in a one on one situation to lead Lebanon (1-0).
Khalil Bader doubled the advantage in the added time to finish a Hassan Matouk cross very close from the goal-line (2-0).
