Bangladesh Edge Bhutan to Begin SAFF Championship Campaign with Victory

Daily Mirror Sport, ThePapare, Ada Derana and Hiru News report that Sri Lanka and Bhutan drew 2-2 in their opening Group A match of the 15th SAFF Men’s Championship 2026 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Daily Mirror Sport identifies the venue as the Bangabandhu National Football Stadium, while ThePapare says Bangladesh had already played Bhutan earlier in the group.

ThePapare reports that Bhutan took the lead in the 34th minute through Dawa Tshering, but Oliver Kelaart equalised a minute later with a long-range effort. The outlet says Kelaart then set up Waseem Razeek for Sri Lanka’s 43rd-minute goal, leaving Sri Lanka 2-1 ahead at the break.

ThePapare reports that Bhutan captain Chencho Gyeltshen had a penalty saved by Sri Lanka goalkeeper and captain Sujan Perera in the 67th minute, then scored in the 76th minute to make it 2-2. The outlet says both teams pursued a late winner but neither added another goal.

Newswire reports that Sri Lanka head coach Abdullah Al Mutairi criticised the match officials after the draw. He said he disagreed with the penalty awarded to Bhutan, believed Bhutan’s equaliser might have been offside, and felt Sri Lanka should have received a penalty. Newswire says he urged SAFF to introduce VAR during the group stage and raised concerns about officiating in a future match against hosts Bangladesh.

Newswire reports that Al Mutairi also suggested the tournament should be limited to Bangladesh and India if commercial interests were shaping the competition, referring to his experience at the 2021 edition. ThePapare reports that Sri Lanka had several defensive players absent from the starting lineup because of club commitments in Europe and hoped they could return for the Bangladesh match. ThePapare says Sri Lanka’s next league fixture is against Bangladesh on Wednesday night.

Written automatically by AI from the outlets’ own reports, and not reviewed by an editor. It can be wrong — the original report is the authority.