The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Bangladesh will play Afghanistan in the opening Group C match of the AFC Challenge Cup qualifying round on May 5 at the Bishcake Central Stadium in Kyrgyzstan.

Bangladesh have been placed in Group C of the AFC Challenge Cup Football with Afghanistan, Laos and hosts Kyrgyzstan.

In the remaining group matches, Bangladesh will play Laos on May 7 and Kyrgyzstan on May 9 at the same venue.

Bangladesh, which hosted the 16-team inaugural AFC Challenge Cup Football in 2006, made early exit from the meet for the emerging Asian nations losing to champions Tajikistan by 1-6 goals in the quarterfinal at the Bangabandhu National Stadium here.

In the group matches, Bangladesh beat Cambodia 2-1, Guam 3-0 and drew 1-1 with Palestine to qualify for the last eight with Palestine.

Tajikistan emerged champions in the inaugural AFC Challenge Cup Football beating Sri Lanka 4-0 in the final at the BNS in April 2006.