BD meet SAFF champions Afghanistan today

Bangladesh will start their 17th Asian Games campaign taking on SAFF champions Afghanistan in a Group B match of the men's football at the Munhak Stadium in Incheon, South Korea today (Monday), reports UNB.

The Asian Games soccer 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.

In their lone practice match in Incheon, Bangladesh Under-23 Football team conceded a 2-4 defeat against Vietnam Under-23 at the Munhak Football field on last Wednesday.

Midfielder Sohel Rana scored first for Bangladesh in the 70th minute while striker Taklis Ahmed scored the other goal for Bangladesh in the 75th minute against Vietnam which dominated the first half 2-0.

Bangladesh reached the South Korean city of Incheon on Sept 7.  Bangladesh will play Uzbekistan on Sept 18 at the Ansan Wa-Stadium and face Hong Kong on Sept 22 at the Hwaseong Sport Complex in their remaining group matches.

Earlier, Asian Games-bound Bangladesh Football team played two international friendly matches against Nepal and drew the series 1-1.

Bangladesh beat Nepal 1-0 in the first match at the Army Stadium in Banani while they conceded 0-1 defeat against the visitors at the Sylhet Stadium.

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.