Cambodia strike late to hold Bangladesh 1-1 in Nehru Cup

New Delhi, Aug 22 (UNI) Cambodia scored a late equaliser to hold Bangladesh to a 1-1 draw in a dull and drab round robin ONGC Nehru Cup match here tonight.

After Mohmmad Abul Hussian headed home from a corner kick in the 31st minute, substitute Keo Kosal scored a last gasp goal for Cambodia in the 88th minute to deny Syed Nayeemuddin his first win as Bangladesh coach.

With this draw, both the teams are out of the contention for the final in the five-nation tournament. Both have one point each from three matches, having lost twice earlier. But, who will take the wooden spoon will be decided after Bangladesh take on Kyrgyzstan on Friday and Cambodia play favourites Syria on Saturday.

Bangladesh dominated the proceedings and they were to blame themselves for missing several chances. Cambodia, though fielding a couple of reserve players, lacked cohesiveness as a unit. Their defence was shaky and attack lacked sharpness and direction.

The match, though, began on an even keel with both sides failing to create genuine chances and the action confining to the midfield before Bangladesh slowly taking control of the match watched by empty stands.

From one such Bangladesh attack in the 22d minute, Mohammad Jahid Hasan Ameli shot straight to rival goalkeeper Pich Rovenyothin.

Eight minutes later, Mohammad Zahid Hossain sent a long ranger after seeing rival goalkeeper off his line but missed the crosspiece by inches.

Next minute, Bangladesh went ahead with man-of-the-match Abul Hussain heading home a Mohammad Afzal Ahmed corner kick from the right to give his side go for the breather 1-0 up.

The resumption did not see the game rise to heights though Bangladesh was the better side still making some forays through Mohammad Alfaz Ahmed and Arman Aziz, but only to fail to find the opposition net.

In the 71st minute, Mohammad Ariful Islam did try a powerful right footed long ranger but the Cambodia goalkeeper was equalled to the task to tip it over.

But, the best chance for Bangladesh came in the 80th minute only to be denied by the woodwork. An Ariful Islam fine cross from top right edge of the box was headed in by Jahid Hasan Ameli only to find the ball hit the right upright and bounced back to play.

Cambodia converted the only chance they got in the second session when two minutes from the final whistle substitute Keo Kasal rose from nowhere to head in another substitute Sam El Nasa high cross from the right flank to draw level.

Hosts India play Syria in a crucial tie tomorrow at 1900 hrs IST.

UNI