Bangladesh’s men’s futsal team suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat to Pakistan in a crucial SAFF Futsal Championship group-stage match at Nonthaburi Stadium in Thailand on Thursday, effectively ending their chances of challenging for the title.
The loss saw Bangladesh slip to third place in the seven-team points table with seven points from five matches. Pakistan’s victory lifted them to second with ten points from an equal number of games, while Maldives continued to dominate the standings, leading with 12 points from just four matches.
The match saw Pakistan take an early lead when Ali Agha scored in the 18th minute, followed by Zahid’s strike in the 31st minute. Bangladesh briefly threatened to fight back as Fayed Azim reduced the deficit in the 36th minute. However, Pakistan quickly regained control with goals from Salar Ahmed Khan in the 37th minute and Ahid Ullah in the 40th minute. Ali Agha completed his brace with a fifth goal for Pakistan just seconds before the final whistle, sealing a comprehensive victory.
Bangladesh had entered the tournament with mixed results: a 4-4 draw against India in their opening match, followed by a heavy 6-1 loss to Maldives. The team showed resilience in later matches, defeating Nepal 4-1 and registering a convincing 5-1 win over Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, Pakistan had experienced a 7-1 defeat to Maldives, but recovered with wins over Bhutan (4-2) and Sri Lanka (5-2), and a 4-4 draw with Nepal.
Bangladesh will now face Nepal in their final group-stage match on Saturday, January 24, but the result will not alter their elimination from the championship race. The top team at the conclusion of all seven rounds will be crowned the inaugural SAFF Men’s Futsal champions.
