Dec 09: Finally, bagging 0-7 goals from Pakistan in Group-B clash of 2009 SAFF Cup at Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka on Tuesday, Bhutan is now out of the ground.
The semi finalist of the last year’s game, Bhutan lost all games this year with wide margins.
Tuesday’s game was second ever tie between two nations. Bhutan had also lost the first one by 1-2 at Dasharath stadium, Kathmandu during South Asian Games 1999. Bhutan’s lost to Pakistan on Tuesday was second biggest win in entire history of SAFF Cup after Maldivians 9-1 win over Afghanistan at Karachi in 2005.
At the initial stage, Bhutan played well. Muhammad Essa’s powerful stroke from corner in the second minute was parried away by keeper Tenzi. Second chance of the Pakistani team in fifth minute through free-kick also had saved Bhutan. Pakistan opened the scoring in the 21st minute by Essa. Two minutes later Reis Ashraf scored second goal for Pakistan, due to blunder that occurred through Bhutan’s skipper Pema. Arif Mehmood secured third shot for his country in the 26th minute.
Bhutan, down 0-5 at half-time, started the second session with new keeper Tshering Dhendup, but luck did not favor them. Dhendup was beaten in the 53rd minute as the keeper violated rule by collecting the back pass with his hands, providing opportunity for the sixth score.
