Bangladesh’s men’s futsal team delivered a commanding performance in the SAFF Futsal Tournament, securing a 5-1 victory over Sri Lanka in their fourth group-stage match. The contest took place on Tuesday in Thailand, where the Red and Greens demonstrated both tactical discipline and attacking flair.
The first half saw Bangladesh take a 2-1 lead, with both goals scored by captain Rahbar Khan. His precision and composure under pressure gave Bangladesh the early advantage. Sri Lanka had managed to equalise briefly, following a foul by Bangladesh goalkeeper Rabbi outside the box, which allowed the Sri Lankan captain to convert a free-kick. However, Rahbar’s leadership ensured that Bangladesh regained control before the break.
In the second half, Bangladesh extended their advantage with three additional goals. The third goal came courtesy of Rahbar Khan’s clever setup, which found Moeen in front of the post for a simple finish. With just five minutes remaining, Bangladesh added two more goals to seal a comprehensive victory. In the dying moments of the match, Abir struck a long-range shot from just outside the penalty area, catching the Sri Lankan goalkeeper out of position and sending the ball straight into the net.
The SAFF Futsal Tournament features seven nations in both the men’s and women’s competitions. Each team plays six matches in the group stage, and the team with the highest points after all matches is crowned champion.
Bangladesh’s men’s team has now played four matches, winning two, drawing one, and losing one. Meanwhile, the women’s team remains unbeaten, with two wins and one draw from their three matches. Today, the women’s team will face Sri Lanka, with Sabina and her teammates aiming to maintain their unbeaten run.
The current standings for the men’s tournament are as follows:
| Team | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goal Difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh Men | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | +4 | 7 |
| Sri Lanka Men | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -2 | 4 |
| Other Teams | 4 | – | – | – | – | – |
Bangladesh’s victory underscores the team’s growing confidence and cohesion under captain Rahbar Khan, while goalkeeper Rabbi’s defensive contributions have been crucial in maintaining their competitive edge. The men’s team will look to build on this momentum in their remaining fixtures, aiming for a top spot in the group and a strong contention for the championship.
The women’s team, led by Sabina, also continues to impress, demonstrating both skill and resilience. Fans across the region are closely following the tournament, hopeful that Bangladesh will secure top honours in both the men’s and women’s competitions.