Mintu's charges thrashed by Thailand

Bangladesh were eliminated from the qualification race for the AFC U-23 Asian Cup following a 3-0 defeat against Thailand in Chonburi today.

The charges of Zulfikar Mahmud Mintu, who suffered a 2-0 defeat against Malaysia in their opening match, conceded the all three goals from long-range attempts amid pouring rain.

The men in red and green were under the cosh right from the word go and conceded the lead in the 44th minute when Purachet Thodsanid unleashed a powerful left-footed shot from the top of the box after a free-kick was only half-cleared by the Bangladesh defence. Bangladesh keeper Mehedi Hasan Srabon, who made a couple of excellent saves earlier on, had no chance on that occasion.

Thodsanid doubled Thailand's lead four minutes later when his long-range attempt took a wicked deflection off a Bangladesh defender and thudded onto the post before nestling into the net.

Mintu made a couple of attacking changes at the start of the second half, but the play was mostly confined in Bangladesh's half. And then Thailand skipper Airfan Doloh wrapped up the victory with a screamer from 25 yards out, giving Srabon no chance at goal.

Bangladesh will have the opportunity to snatch a consolation victory when they face Philippines in the group's last game on September 12.