Super-sub Ibrahim powers Bangladesh to 1-0 win over Bhutan in SAFF

Substitute Mohammad Ibrahim scored in the 69th minute as Bangladesh beat Bhutan 1-0 in their opening match of the SAFF Championship at the National Stadium on Thursday.

Ibrahim, who came on midway through the second half, scored from close range after Shamit Shome's header from a cross looped up in front of goal.

The win put Bangladesh on top of Group A.

Bhutan have no points, and Sri Lanka have yet to play. Each team plays two group matches, with the top two going through to the semi-finals.Bangladesh were without captain Topu Barman, who was injured during the warm-up.

Jamal Bhuyan led the side, and Quazem Shah came into the starting line-up.

Midfielder Hamza Choudhury was not available because the FIFA international window does not start until November 9.

Bangladesh dominated the first half, with 64 percent of possession and 12 shots to Bhutan's four, but both sides managed only two shots on target.

Bishwanath Ghosh, usually a right-back, played at centre-forward and missed several chances.

He headed wide from Rakib Hossain's cross in the 18th minute, shot wide from close range in the 25th and failed to hit the target when through on the goalkeeper in the 39th.

Bhutan's Orgyen Wangchuk was taken to hospital by ambulance after a head collision with a Bangladesh defender in the first half.

Thomas Dooley brought on Fahamedul Islam for Foysal Ahmed Fahim at the start of the second half. He later replaced Jamal and Bishwanath with Ibrahim and Sohel Rana Jr, and Ibrahim scored soon after. Quazem and Zayyan Ahmed were replaced late on by Mohammad Ridoy and Rahmat Mia.

Before the kick-off, State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque, goalkeeper of the Bangladesh team that won the SAFF title in 2003, unveiled the trophy.

Bangladesh have not won the championship since that 2003 title.