DHAKA – Afghanistan’s plan to play a crucial Asian Cup qualifier match—and an accompanying friendly against Bangladesh—in Dhaka has been canceled due to an objection from their opponent, Myanmar.
The news was confirmed to Ajker Potrika by Golam Gaus, Chairman of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) Competition Committee.
The Canceled Plans
Bangladesh is set to play its fifth Asian Cup qualifier against India at home on November 18. The BFF had planned a friendly match against Afghanistan on November 13 as preparation.
However, Afghanistan also has a qualifier match on November 18 against Myanmar. The Afghanistan Football Federation (AFF) had hoped to host this match at the Kings Arena in Dhaka, essentially creating a temporary home ground. Unfortunately, Myanmar refused to travel to Dhaka, forcing the AFF to cancel the entire trip, including the planned friendly against Bangladesh.
BFF Finds a Quick Replacement
The BFF moved swiftly to find a replacement opponent.
Golam Gaus confirmed: “Since Myanmar did not agree, Afghanistan is also not coming to Dhaka. However, we will play against Nepal. We need a friendly match before the India game.”
The friendly match against Nepal will take place on the same date, November 13, at the National Stadium (Bangabandhu National Stadium).
This upcoming match will serve as a rematch following Bangladesh’s visit to Nepal in September, where a two-match friendly series was planned. The first match ended in a goalless draw, but the second match was called off due to political unrest in Kathmandu.
