Bangladesh has initiated the 17th Asian Games campaign with a win beating SAFF champions Afghanistan by 1-0 in a Group B encounter of the men's football at the Munhak Stadium in Incheon, South Korea.
Captain Mamunul Islam scored the winning goal on the 83rd minute of the game on Monday breaking the deadlock of 28 winless years in Asian Games football.
Indian Super League (ISL) franchise Atletico de Kolkata midfiedler Mamunul netted the score on the edge of the game with a crouching run into the box.
The Asian Games football record for Bangladesh was not satisfactory as they conceded defeat in 18 previous matches out of 20.
Bangladesh beat Malaysia by 2-1 goals in the Delhi Asian Games in 1982 and beat Nepal 1-0 in the Seoul Asia Games in 1986.
Bangladesh has been placed in the four-nation Group B along with stronger Uzbekistan, Hong Kong and Afghanistan.
Bangladesh will play Uzbekistan on September 18 at the Ansan Wa-Stadium and face Hong Kong on September 22 at the Hwaseong Sport Complex in their remaining group matches.
Twenty-nine Asian nations, split into eight groups, are competing in the men's soccer of the Asian Games.
Later, group champions and runners-up teams will qualify for the round of 16.
