Bangladesh, Afghanistan play out a draw at Kings Arena

Bangladesh played out a goalless draw in the first of the two FIFA Friendly matches against Afghanistan at the Bashundhara Kings Arena today.

This was the first ever international football match at Kings Arena – the first time a Bangladeshi club hosted an international match, and there was tremendous support for the home crowd including from the high-ups of the Bangladesh Football Federation and the Bashundhara Group.

However, Javier Cabrera's charges failed to breach the Afghan barrier despite dominating possession throughout the match.

The best chance of the match came in the 55th minute to young Sheikh Morsalin, who received a brilliant square-pass from Rakib Hossain but with only the goalkeeper to beat, Morsalin blasted the ball way over the top.

The young man, however, had set up his strike partner Rakib in the first half with a brilliant through ball, but Rakib on that occasion saw his attempt blocked by an Afghan defender. Rakib had another chance in the second half too, but his shot on a low cross from Faisal Ahmed Fahim was off-target.

Afghanistan had their moments, too, but could not trouble Bangladesh goalkeeper Anisur Rahman Zico.

The two teams will meet again at the same venue on Thursday.