Topu Barman's late goal helps Bangladesh draw 1-1 against Afghanistan

Bangladesh drew 1-1 against Afghanistan in their Group E World Cup Qualifier at Qatar's Al Saad Stadium on Thursday. 

Although the first half was goalless, things picked up in the second half. 

Afghanistan opened the scoring in the 48th minute via Amiruddin Mohammad Anwar Sharifi after they dominated possession. 

But in the latter stages, Bangladesh showed fight and determination to equalise via defender Topu Barman in the 84th minute.

The game was really stretched in the last few minutes and both teams had golden opportunities to find a winner but had to settle for a point. 

This was the second draw for both Afghanistan and Bangladesh in their six matches of the ongoing qualifiers. Afghanistan beat Bangladesh 1-0 in the first round match in Tajikistan's Dushanbe on September 10, 2019.

Despite the day's result, Bangladesh remained at the bottom of the five-team Group E, securing two points from six matches while Afghanistan stayed at the third slot with five points from six matches.

Qatar is now comfortably leading the points table, securing 16 points from six matches. Among others, Oman have secured 12 and India three points from five matches.

Bangladesh will face India and Oman in their remaining Group E qualifiers on June 7 and 15, both at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha.

Earlier, Bangladesh started their FIFA and AFC joint qualifiers campaign with a 0-1 defeat against Afghanistan, a 0-2 loss against Asian champions Qatar in Dhaka, a 1-4 defeat against Oman, and a humiliating 0-5 loss against Qatar in Doha.

However, the booters earned a 1-1 draw against India in Kolkata.