Bangladesh open their SAFF U-20 Championship campaign against Pakistan on March 24, before facing defending champions India in their final Group B match on March 28.

Bangladesh Under-20 national team secured a 1-0 victory over Abahani in a closed-door practice match at the National Stadium on Sunday, even before holding a single training session under newly appointed Irish coach Mark Cox. The match was part of their preparation for this month’s SAFF U-20 Championship in Maldives.

UEFA A-licensed Irish coach Mark Cox has been appointed as consultant coach of the Bangladesh national under-20 football team ahead of the upcoming SAFF U-20 Championship, scheduled to be held in Maldives from March 23 to April 4.