The first FIFA friendly between hosts Bangladesh and Afghanistan in the two-match series has been shifted from Monday (September 4) to Sunday (September 3) upon request from the visiting side.
Bangladesh Football Federation confirmed the change of schedule through a press release Friday citing that the decision has been taken following advice from Afghanistan and FIFA.
The statement also added that the second friendly between the two sides Thursday remained unchanged.
BFF’s acting general secretary Imran Hossain Tushar told Dhaka Tribune that if the match had been played Monday it would have counted as a practice match.
He also said the FIFA confirmation regarding the change of schedule arrived Thursday.
The first friendly will mark the Kings Arena’s historic debut.
The home ground of Bangladesh Premier League champions Bashundhara Kings is set to become the first ever privately-owned venue to host an international match in the country.
The two games are part of the preparation for the men in red and green ahead of the joint World Cup and Asian Cup qualifiers.