Kingsley makes debut as Bangladesh edge past Seychelles

 
Nigeria-born Eleta Kingsley finally played for Bangladesh for the first time during Bangladesh's FIFA friendly match against Seychelles as they scrapped past Seychelles by 1-0 at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka on Saturday.

It was Bangladesh first-ever victory against an African nation.

Finland-born Tariq Kazi's brilliant header gave Bangladesh to a 1-0 win over the African side just minutes before half-time in the 43rd minute following Jamal Bhuyan's freekick deflected off a Seychelles defender.

The game was memorable for Tariq Kazi as well as it wasTariq's maiden international goal in his 12th appearance in red-green jersey. Tariq made his debut in 2021.

Bangladesh got the first real chance in the 33rd minute when defender Topu Barman took a brilliant header from the close range off skipper Jamal Bhuyan's a cross but Seychelles keeper gripped the ball brilliantly.

However, Eleta maiden entrance came after second half but the substitute striker squandered several chances on his debut.
The 33-year old forward replaced Aminur Rahman Sojib, who was powerless in the first half. The Seychelles keeper denied Kingsley's powerful shot from the close range with a brilliant save  in the 86th minute.

Eleta scored seven goals in the Premier League for Dhaka Abahani, came close to scoring twice.
Seychelles are currently ranked 199 in the FIFA rankings, seven steps behind Bangladesh. Bangladesh earlier faced the Seychelles four-nation cup held in 2021 in Sri Lanka with the result being a tame 1-1 draw.

Saturday's match against Seychelles was Bangladesh's national football team's first int'l match this year. The team will return to int'l football after nearly six months with this series. Coach Javier Cabrera's men must be prepared to give their best in this match. The second match between the two teams will be held on Tuesday (March 28) at the same venue.

Before the series, the Bangladesh team completed a ten-day training camp in Saudi Arabia. During the camp, the national booters also played two practice matches there. Saudi Arabia's preparation and two preparation matches must boost the performance of the boys in red and green to prepare themselves for the two matches of the series.

Bangladesh:

Anisur Rahman Zico, Tariq Raihan Kazi, Topu Barman, Sohel Rana, M Sohel Rana (Masuk Miah Zony), Remon Hossain, Jamal Bhuyan (Matin Miah), Majubur Rahman Jonny (Rabiul), Rakib Hossain ( Sumon Reza, Saaduddin and Aminur Rahman Sajib (Eketa Kingsley).