Bangladesh U-17 team made a flying start in the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers with a thrashing 5-0 win over Timor-Leste in the Group A opener in Chongqing, China on Saturday.
Forward Md Manik netted twice and also assisted Rifat Kazi’s opening goal to steal the show.
A brilliant cross from Manik found Rifat, whose header took the lead in the 11th minute.
Manik converted captain Nazmul Huda Faysal’s free kick with a precise left-footed strike to score his first in the 28th minute. He got his second goal two minutes before the half-time.
Bayzit Bostami came off the bench to extend the lead four minutes after the break. Akash Ahmmed sealed the victory with a stunning long-range effort in the 88th minute.
“Thanks to the players for executing the plan. They played high-pressing game from the first minute. They controlled the match. That’s why we won. It’s a good start to the qualifiers.” said Bangladesh U-17 team’s head coach Golam Rabbani Choton after the dominating win.
The road to the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 kicked off on the same day for 38 sides as they look to secure their place in the 21st edition of the Finals.
Only the seven group winners from the Qualifiers will progress and join the nine AFC representatives from the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 that have already qualified.
Bangladesh placed in Group A alongside Bahrain, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste and hosts China.
They will face Brunei in their second match on Monday.