Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Dhaka: The seven teams competing in the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship Bangladesh 2018 learned their opponents on Wednesday following the tournament's official draw in Dhaka.
Bangladesh secured their inaugural SAFF title in 2003 when they hosted the regional tournament for the first time, while their second hosting of the competition in 2009 saw them reach the semi-finals.
They will have home advantage once again this year, and are scheduled to face Nepal, Pakistan and Bhutan in Group A when the competition kicks off in September.
Seven-time champions India will, meanwhile, look to defend their title as they face Maldives and Sri Lanka in the three-team Group B.
The Maldivians beat India 1-0 in 2008 to claim their first SAFF Championship, while Sri Lanka have yet to win a continental crown since their 1995 success.
All the matches will take place at the Bangabandhu National Stadium, with the top two teams from each group progressing to the semi-finals.
SAFF President Kazi Md Salahuddin said: “We raised the curtain on what will be the 12th edition of our region’s biggest and most important international tournament.
“Since our first tournament in 1993 in Lahore, our tournament has made great strides forward and our organisation is truly proud to be here today boasting seven fine footballing nations.
“The SAFF Cup plays such an important role in raising the profile of football in our region, and inspiring our younger generation to play the game.”