Bangladesh edged past hosts Bhutan 1-0 in the first FIFA friendly of the two-match series at Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu Thursday evening.
Youngster Sheikh Morsalin’s goal early in the game made all the difference in the end.
Javier Cabrera dropped Jamal Bhuiyan to the bench as Sohel Rana, Mohammad Sohel Rana and Mohammad Ridoy started in midfield while Foysal Ahmed Fahim, Rakib Hossain and Morsalin started in the attacking front.
Morsalin opened the scoring in the fifth minute, placing home from close range after acquiring a clearance attempt from Bhutanese goalkeeper inside the danger zone.
The home side dominated possession while the visitors often sat back amid the high altitude of Bhutan.
In the 18th minute, Bangladesh keeper Mitul Marma made a block against Nima Wangdi’s attempt.
Bhutan defender Yeshey Gyeltshen’s header from a cross bounced wide of the post.
Rakib was stretchered off at the stroke of the first half after picking up an injury.
Skipper Jamal came in replacing Ridoy after the break but could not help his side extend the lead.
Under-20 star Rabbi Hossain Rahul came off the bench and made a brilliant impact in stoppage time.
The winger, who just lifted the SAFF U-20 Championship trophy last week, forced the Bhutanese keeper into a diving save with a fine effort through the left side.
Cabrera fielded a defensive line-up without center-back Tariq Kazi who is reported to be sidelined from Bangladesh duty until at least January next year.
He has been undergoing compulsory military service in Finland where he was born and raised as he carries both Bangladeshi and Finnish identity.
Topu Barman, Bishwanath Ghosh, Saad Uddin and Shakil Hossain started the game at the back-four and did not let the visiting side miss the absence of Tariq.
They remained solid against hosts’ attacks.
It was Bhutan’s first match under new Japanese head coach Atsushi Nakamura.
The second FIFA friendly match will be held at the same venue Sunday.
RESULT
Bhutan 0 Bangladesh 1 (Morsalin 5)