Bangladesh recorded their first-ever victory in futsal as the men’s team defeated Bhutan 4-1 in the SAFF Men’s Futsal Tournament in Bangkok on Sunday. Earlier in the day, the Bangladesh women’s team drew 3-3 with Bhutan in the women’s competition.
Bangladesh dominated the first half, taking a 2-0 lead through a brace from Moin, who controlled proceedings with clinical finishing.
Bhutan attempted a comeback after the break, pulling a goal back and hitting the post during a dangerous attacking move. However, Bangladesh maintained their composure and restored their two-goal advantage when Faisal scored to make it 3-1.
Ibrahim added a late fourth goal to seal a convincing victory for Bangladesh.
The win marked a milestone for the Bangladesh men’s futsal team, which made its international debut last year at the AFC Futsal Asian Cup qualifiers in Malaysia, where it failed to register a victory. The team had also gone winless in its first two matches of the SAFF tournament, drawing with India and losing to Maldives, before breaking through against Bhutan.
Six countries are competing in the SAFF Futsal Tournament in both men’s and women’s divisions. After three matches, the Bangladesh men’s team has one win, one draw and one loss, while the women’s team has one win and one draw from two outings. The team with the highest points after five matches will be crowned champion.
Bangladesh’s women’s team will face Nepal in their next match on Monday.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
