MALÉ (Maldives): Pakistan men’s national football team kicked off their Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament campaign with a 0-0 draw against Bangladesh on Monday, a result that offered little comfort for a senior side unable to capitalise on a numerical advantage against a youthful opposition.

Bangladesh fielded their Olympic squad, a de facto under-23 side, as part of their preparations to offer young players senior international experience.

Pakistan, by contrast, deployed their full senior team, handing debuts to Adil Nabi and Ali Akbar Khan while bringing defender Easah Suliman back into the starting lineup after a two-year injury layoff.

The match at the National Football Stadium in Malé began poorly for Pakistan when midfielder Rahis Nabi was forced off injured after just 15 minutes, replaced by Hayyaan Khattak.

Bangladesh’s best chance of the first half arrived in the 26th minute, but Pakistan goalkeeper Yousuf Butt produced an excellent save to keep the scores level.

After the interval, Pakistan introduced Ali Haider Shah, Mohibullah Afridi and Alamgir Ghazi to inject fresh energy into their attack. Alamgir nearly made an immediate impact in the 57th minute when his powerful long-range effort struck the post.

Momentum swung further in Pakistan’s favour in the 62nd minute when Bangladesh captain SM Monjurur Rahman was shown a red card for elbowing Yousuf during a set-piece situation. Pakistan defender Syed Abdullah Shah was also cautioned following the incident.

With a one-man advantage for the final half-hour, Pakistan pushed forward in search of a winner.

Ali Haider Shah came closest in the 66th minute, meeting an Ali Khan Niazi cross with a well-struck volley that was brilliantly saved by Bangladesh goalkeeper Md Mehedi Hassan Srabon. Deep into stoppage time, Srabon again denied substitute Harun Hamid in the 95th minute to preserve the deadlock.

Despite sustained pressure from Pakistan, Bangladesh defended resolutely to hold on for a point. The final whistle confirmed a goalless draw.

Pakistan will next face tournament hosts Maldives on Thursday before concluding their group-stage campaign against Afghanistan on June 7. The top two teams at the end of the group stage advance to the final on June 10.

Published in Dawn, June 2nd, 2026