Bangladesh began their SAFF Championship campaign with a 1-0 victory over Bhutan on Thursday night, thanks to a second-half goal from substitute Mohammad Ibrahim, who found the net just two minutes after coming on.
The decisive moment came in the 65th minute at the National Stadium, when Ibrahim finished clinically from close range after a header by Shamit Shome deflected off a Bhutanese defender and fell into his path.
Bangladesh dominated much of the first half but struggled to convert their attacking opportunities into goals. Despite creating several chances, the hosts were unable to break the deadlock before the interval.
Head coach Thomas Dooley made a tactical surprise by deploying experienced defender Bishwanath Ghosh as a centre-forward in the absence of Hamza Choudhury. However, Bangladesh lacked the finishing touch, while Bhutan goalkeeper Gilshen Zangpo produced several important saves to keep his side in the contest.
Jamal Bhuiyan returned to captain the national side after Tapu Barman was ruled out of the starting line-up due to injury. Syed Kazem Shah replaced Tapu in defence.
Bangladesh continued to push forward after the break, but their attacking efforts initially lacked precision. Dooley introduced Fahamidul Islam at half-time before making a double substitution in the 63rd minute, bringing on Ibrahim and Sohel Rana Junior for Jamal Bhuiyan and Bishwanath Ghosh.
The changes injected fresh energy into Bangladesh’s attack, and Ibrahim made an immediate impact with his well-taken goal.
Bangladesh subsequently introduced Mohammad Hridoy and Rahmat Mia in the 78th minute in an effort to maintain their momentum. Bhutan also made substitutions but failed to find an equaliser.
The victory gives Bangladesh an important early boost in their bid to reach the semi-finals. They will next face Sri Lanka on 11 November.
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