Bangladesh's under-23 side held Pakistan to a 0-0 draw in the opening match of the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament at Galolhu National Stadium on Sunday evening.
Bangladesh created the better chances in the first half and came closest to breaking the deadlock through Mohammad Mursed Ali. His low effort, set up by Mohammad Rabby Hossen Rahul, was well saved by Pakistan goalkeeper Yousuf Ijaz Butt.
Pakistan responded early in the second half when Alamgir Ali Khan Ghazi tried his luck from outside the penalty area, but his shot drifted wide of the post.
Bangladesh continued to press and sought a penalty after captain Abdullah Iqbal challenged Mirajul Islam in the area. However, referee Mohamad Javiz instead showed Mirajul a yellow card for dissent.
The match turned in the 63rd minute when Bangladesh captain Monjurur Rahman Manik collided with Pakistan's goalkeeper while attempting to head the ball. Javiz immediately produced a straight red card, reducing Bangladesh to 10 men for the remainder of the match.
Pakistan pushed forward in search of a winner. Ali Haider Shah delivered a dangerous cross to Ali Khan Niazi, who was unmarked inside the six-yard box, but Bangladesh goalkeeper Mohammad Mehedi Hasan Srabon reacted quickly to turn the ball behind for a corner. Srabon then safely gathered Syed Abdullah Ali Shah's corner kick.
Pakistan continued to threaten, with Otis Jan Mohammed Khan seeing an effort blocked by Bangladesh defenders, while Mohammad Hayan Khattak fired wide.
Despite Bangladesh playing more than 25 minutes with 10 men, Pakistan were unable to find a breakthrough. Srabon was later named man of the match for his performance in goal.
Pakistan are coached by former Peru international Nolberto Solano, who scored 49 goals in more than 300 Premier League appearances for Newcastle United, Aston Villa and West Ham United. The 51-year-old earned 95 caps for Peru between 1994 and 2009, scoring 20 goals. Solano, who previously served as Peru's assistant coach and Olympic team coach, joined Pakistan last year.
The Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament is being organised by the Football Association of Maldives (FAM) to mark the 75th anniversary of Maldivian football. Sri Lanka were initially scheduled to participate but later withdrew, with Afghanistan taking their place.
Bangladesh entered the tournament with their under-23 Olympic team while the country's senior side prepares for a series of friendly matches in Europe. The squad includes several players who featured in the most recent SAFF Under-20 Championship.
Hosts Maldives faced Afghanistan in the second match of the evening at 9pm, following the tournament's official opening ceremony at 8.45pm.
