Ibrahim's Goal Gives Bangladesh 1-0 Win Over Bhutan

Substitute Mohammad Ibrahim scored in the 69th minute as Bangladesh beat Bhutan 1-0 in their opening match of the SAFF Championship at the National Stadium in Dhaka on Thursday.

Ibrahim, who came on midway through the second half, scored from close range after Shamit Shome's header from a cross looped up in front of goal.

The victory put Bangladesh at the top of Group A with three points. Bhutan remained without a point, while Sri Lanka had yet to play.

Each team will play two group-stage matches, with the top two teams advancing to the semi-finals.

Bangladesh were without captain Topu Barman, who suffered an injury during the warm-up.

Jamal Bhuyan led the side, while Quazem Shah came into the starting line-up.

Midfielder Hamza Choudhury was unavailable because the FIFA international window does not begin until November 9.

Bangladesh dominated the first half, enjoying 64 percent possession and taking 12 shots compared with Bhutan's four. However, both teams managed only two shots on target.

Bishwanath Ghosh, who usually plays as a right-back, was deployed as a centre-forward but missed several chances.

He headed wide from Rakib Hossain's cross in the 18th minute, shot wide from close range in the 25th minute and failed to hit the target when through on goal in the 39th.

Bhutan's Orgyen Wangchuk was taken to hospital by ambulance after a head collision with a Bangladesh defender in the first half.

Bangladesh coach Thomas Dooley brought on Fahamedul Islam for Foysal Ahmed Fahim at the start of the second half. He later replaced Jamal and Bishwanath with Ibrahim and Sohel Rana Jr, and Ibrahim scored soon after.

Quazem and Zayyan Ahmed were replaced late in the match by Mohammad Ridoy and Rahmat Mia.

Before kick-off, State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque, a goalkeeper in Bangladesh's 2003 SAFF Championship-winning team, unveiled the tournament trophy.

Bangladesh have not won the championship since claiming their first title in 2003.