Play store
Bangladesh took a 1-0 lead over Bhutan through Mohammad Ibrahim in their opening Group A match of the SAFF Championship 2026 at the National Stadium in Dhaka on Thursday.
Ibrahim’s goal gave the hosts the breakthrough as they looked to begin their campaign with a victory on home soil.
The match marked the return of the regional football tournament to Bangladesh after an eight-year gap.
The hosts entered the competition with hopes of winning their second SAFF Championship title, having last lifted the trophy in 2003.
Bangladesh were drawn in Group A alongside Bhutan and Sri Lanka, with the top two teams qualifying for the semi-finals.
The hosts will face Sri Lanka in their second group match on November 11.
Bangladesh are playing under head coach Thomas Dooley, while captain Topu Barman is leading the side in the tournament.
Star midfielder Hamza Choudhury was unavailable for the opening fixture due to his club commitments.
The 2026 edition offers Bangladesh an opportunity to revive their regional football ambitions in front of home supporters.
