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Apart from their impressive results (wins over Indonesia and Thailand) in their first ever World Cup qualification in 1986, Bangladesh has struggled to impose itself. At the regional level, they have also remained in the second echelon while in Asia, the team is constantly trying to avoid being the wooden spoon of their group.
However, the Association is currently working hand in hand with the Vision Asia programme which will see it restructuring its domestic league as well as initiating more youth programmes. These initiatives are coming at the right time for football in Bangladesh.
Football in Bangladesh has a huge following which was further exemplified when the national team made history in their victory at the South Asian Football Federation Cup in 2003. The South Asia side won the final via penalties over Maldives before 50,000 boisterous home supporters.
It has been a long time since Bangladesh football enjoyed such victories, including a 2-1 semi-final win over arch-rivals and defending champion India. One can only hope that these victories act as catalysts for future successes at the Continental level.
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