Bangladesh won the SAFF Suzuki Cup in 2003, when they hosted the tournament for the first time. In 2009, however, when the competition returned to Dhaka, they couldn't progress beyond the semi-finals, where they lost to India. They will be seeking to turn that around when they stage the event for the third time this month.

Managed by former Bournemouth and Wellington United midfielder Jamie Day, Bangladesh will kick off the competition at the Bangabandhu National Stadium against Bhutan, before taking on Pakistan and Nepal.

The Tigers arrive at the competition helped by a two-week long training camp in Qatar ― part of their preparation for both the Asian Games and SAFF Suzuki Cup.

The host's will look up to their experienced figures for a successful campaign. With 50 caps, midfielder Mamunul Islam is a key player for Bangladesh while Nasiruddin Chowdhury and Waly Faisal, both in their 30s, will shore up the defence. Another defender, the 23-year-old Topu Barman, will be integral to the team's plans, having racked up 21 caps already and striker Mahbubur Rahman will lead the attack from the front.

Meanwhile new coach Day, who was appointed in May, has also called back 27-year-old striker Shakhawat Hossain Rony to the national fold.

Head to head in SAFF Suzuki Cup
vs Nepal: 4 W, 2L
vs Pakistan: 2W, 2D, 2L
vs Bhutan: 4W, 1D

Group B Preview: India vs Maldives
The final Group B clash of the SAFF Suzuki Cup 2018 between India and the Maldives will decide who among the two island nations of the group will progress to the semi-finals along with India.
Match Report: India 2-0 Maldives
India’s dominant performance against the Maldives resulted in a 2-0 victory for Stephen Constantine’s team.
Group A Preview: Bangladesh vs Nepal
Group A leaders Bangladesh will be looking forward to cementing their spot in the semi-final when they take on Nepal...
Final: Maldives vs India (Highlights)
Semi final: India vs Pakistan (Highlights)
Semi final: Nepal vs Maldives (Highlights)