Forward Shekh Morsalin scored his fifth goal for his country in 12 games as Bangladesh earned a hard-fought 1-0 win over Bhutan in the first of the two-match FIFA friendly series at the Changlimithang Football Stadium in Thimphu on Thursday.
Arriving in Bhutan a week before the match to adjust to the altitude, the team still showed signs of discomfort.
The win also gave Bangladesh their first win since October 17, 2023, when they beat the Maldives 2-1 in the second leg of the preliminary round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers at home.
It was also Bangladesh鈥檚 12th win against Bhutan in their 15th meetings since their first encounter in 1984. Two matches ended in draws, and Bhutan鈥檚 only win came in 2016.
The lone goal of the match came when striker Rakib Hossain sent in a cross that Bhutan goalkeeper, Sherin Dendup, fumbled, allowing Morsalin to capitalise and put his side ahead in the sixth minute.
Despite taking the lead, Bangladesh found it difficult to create clear opportunities throughout the match.
Their limited chances were a reflection of the team鈥檚 struggle to adjust to the high-altitude, with players like Rakib, Morsalin, and Faisal Ahmed Fahim unable to consistently challenge Bhutan鈥檚 backline.
On the other hand, Bhutan managed to dominate possession, launching repeated attacks that they were unable to convert, largely due to poor finishing.
鈥業 am happy that we could implement the coach鈥檚 instruction in the game. Thanks to Rakib bhai for the assist,鈥� said Morsalin after the match.
鈥極bviously, it is important to win the game, but that was not the main target. The players played their first international game in three months, so this win was important for getting back confidence,鈥� said Cabrera in the post-match press conference.
The second match between the two sides will be played at the same venue on Sunday.
