Afghanistan forward Ata Yamrali (C) surges ahead with the ball as Bangladeshi players look on.

BISHKEK: Lowly Afghanistan held 10-man Bangladesh to a goalless draw in the AFC Challenge Cup Group C qualifier at the Spartak Stadium here on Monday.

Afghanistan started on the offensive on a slippery surface and had the first crack at goal in the fifth minute but Obaidullah Karimi’s shot went over the bar.

Bangladesh’s first chance came in the 24th minute but Arman Aziz’s shot from 25 metres was off the mark while their custodian Aminul palmed out a Hashmatullah Barekzai header in the next minute.

The AFC Challenge Cup 2006 hosts could have taken the lead in the 58th minute but Jahid Hasan’s shot hit the woodwork.

Bangladesh were reduced to 10 men in the third minute of stoppage time when defender Kazi Mofazzal Hosin was given his marching orders after picking up his second yellow card.

Bangladesh coach Abu Yusuf praised the Afghanistan team’s tactics saying, "I didn't expect such a high level of performance from the Afghan team. They were unlucky not to gain full points today.”

Afghanistan’s German coach Klaus Staerk said Bangladesh had a good defence. "I am satisfied with the performance but I am not satisfied with the result," said Staerk after the match.

Afghanistan will take on hosts and last edition’s semifinalists Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday while Bangladesh will play the Central Asians on May 9 in the final game of this group.

Only the winner from this group will qualify for the tournament proper to be played in southern Indian city of Hyderabad from July 30 to August 10.

Sri Lanka became the first team to qualify for the Finals from Group A after beating Pakistan, Chinese Taipei and Guam to the top position last month while DPR Korea, Turkmenistan, hosts India and Myanmar have direct entry to the main competition.