Bangladesh eye winning SAFF start against Bhutan

Bangladesh will launch their bid to end a 23-year wait for the SAFF Championship title when they take on Bhutan in their opening match at the National Stadium in Dhaka on Thursday, with head coach Thomas Dooley looking to make the most of home advantage.

The hosts will kick off their campaign at 8:00pm, following the opening fixture between defending champions India and Pakistan. With the regional showpiece returning to Dhaka after eight years, Bangladesh will be eager to begin on a winning note and build momentum for their title challenge.

Dooley is expected to field a strong starting XI, with Mehedi Hasan Srabon likely to start in goal. Topu Barman, Zidane Alexander Yousuf, Saad Uddin and Zayyan Ahmed could form the defensive line, while Tariq Kazi, Shamit Shome and Jamal Bhuyan are expected to operate in midfield.

Rakib Hossain and Foysal Ahmed Fahim could provide width and attacking support, with Bishwanath Ghosh tipped to lead the frontline.

Bangladesh will, however, be without key midfielder Hamza Choudhury and forward Farhaan Ali Wahid for the opening fixture, with both expected to join the squad later. Their absence will put greater responsibility on Shamit and Jamal to control the midfield and create opportunities.

The attacking department remains a particular concern for Dooley after Bangladesh struggled to find goals in recent outings. The coach will hope his available attacking options can deliver against a Bhutan side that will be looking to frustrate the hosts.

Bangladesh head into the tournament determined to improve on their recent FIFA ASEAN Cup campaign, where they suffered three consecutive defeats, including a heavy 9-2 loss to Indonesia.

The hosts will also draw confidence from their record against Bhutan, having never lost to the Himalayan nation outside Thimphu.