Bangladesh found themselves trailing 1-0 to Singapore at halftime in Tuesday’s match at the National Stadium.
Despite passionate home support that filled the venue with chants and celebratory atmosphere hours before kickoff, the hosts struggled to find their rhythm in a difficult opening 45 minutes.
Bangladesh, featuring debutant Shamit Som alongside key players Hamza Chowdhury and Fahamidul Islam, began the match assertively.
In the opening twenty minutes, Fahamidul and Shakil Ahad generated several scoring opportunities.
However, forward Rakib Hossain could not convert these chances. Singapore also created threats but failed to capitalize on early openings.
By the 30-minute mark, the score remained level.
Bangladesh goalkeeper Mitul Marma made a critical save from a Singaporean captain’s shot.
For Bangladesh, Rakib narrowly missed a connection with a well-delivered pass from Shamit Som, who consistently initiated attacks.
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Despite Som’s efforts, the team struggled with finishing. The match also saw Fahamidul Islam receive the first yellow card for a foul, and Tariq Kazi sustained two separate impacts, resulting in a bleeding lip.
The deadlock broke in the 44th minute. Singapore penetrated the Bangladeshi defense.
Goalkeeper Mitul failed to clear a punched ball, and following rapid exchanges inside the box, Singapore's Song Ui Young found the net. Hamza Chowdhury's late defensive sprint could not prevent the goal.
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At halftime, the scoreboard read Bangladesh 0, Singapore 1.