DHAKA, Jan 16, 2020 (BSS) – Forward Jospin Nshimirimana slammed the first hat-trick in the tournament as title contender Burundi came from behind to register an overwhelming 4-1 goal victory over young Mauritius side in the opening group B match of sixth edition of Bangabandhu Gold Cup International Football tournament held on Thursday at Bangabandhu National Stadium here.
Mauritius went ahead following their early attack. Adrien Francois, after receiving a pass from midfield, sent the ball home with a perfect right footer placing shot to give his side early lead in the very 3rd minute of the match.
Burundi came close to score in the 11th minute but Nshimirimana Jospin fierce shot from 25 yards went out of play beside the left side bar.
Burundi finally fought back in the match to restore the parity in the 28th minute. Taking a close pass from Benjamin Nshimirimana, Jospin sent the ball home from in the D box with an angular short giving no chance to Mauritius custodian Louis.
Ndikumana Asman doubled the lead for Burundi in the 41st minute from a free kick from 20 yards with a left footer powerful short following a set piece situation.
After the resumption, Jospin further widened the team’s margin scoring the third goal with a placing shot from close range in the 47th minute of the match and he completed the winners’ tally scoring his third and fourth goal for Burundi in the 85th minute.
In the dying moment, Mauritius tried heart and soul to reduce the goal margin but all effort were went vain lack due to lack of proper finishing.
Burundi clearly dominated the entire proceeding and notched their deserving victory while Mauritius looked to off colored on the day.
Burundi will play their next match against Seychelles scheduled to be held on Saturday (January 18) at the same venue.
Squads: Mauritius- Balisson, Francosis, Aristide, Perle, Sophe, Jolicoeur, Patate, Louis, Francois, Ferre and Jordan.
Burundi- Blanchard, Benjamin, Amissi, Henry, Asman, Yannick, Narcisse, Jospin, False, Hamza and Merci.
Referee- Mizanur Rahman (Bangladesh)
Friday’s match: Palestine vs Sri Lanka at 5 pm.