Bangladesh’s domestic football witnessed a landmark moment as Fortis FC navigated their preliminary hurdle in the AFC Challenge League, defeating Kyrgyzstan league runners-up Muras United 1-0 at the Bashundhara Kings Arena in Dhaka. Capitalising on home conditions and a tactically astute display, the corporate club booked their place in the group stage of the continental competition during their very first international outing.
Finishing third in the previous Bangladesh Premier League campaign, Fortis recognised the unique demands of continental competition and strategically reconstructed their squad. Head coach Masud Kaysar fielded a balanced starting eleven featuring three local players alongside eight foreign recruits to bridge any match-fitness gaps. The cosmopolitan lineup included Sri Lankan goalkeeper Sujan Perera, Nepali midfielder Arik Bista, Gambian forward Pa Omar Jobe, on-loan Abahani forwards Ibrahim and Insan, alongside Japanese defenders Shihan and Shimomura.
Conversely, Muras United faced an uphill battle adapting to Dhaka’s humid afternoon heat. Comprising tall, physically imposing players, the visitors’ starting unit featured three Ukrainian players alongside single representatives from Ghana and Belarus. The severe weather conditions quickly drained the visitors, disrupting their rhythm from the onset.
Both sides adopted a cautious approach during the opening exchanges, maintaining defensive discipline while contesting midfield territory. Fortis gradually created the clearer openings in the first half. Gambian captain Pa Omar came agonisingly close when his effort deflected off a defender onto the crossbar. The visitors suffered a major blow in the 37th minute when their star number ten, Japarov Amir, was forced off due to injury. Shortly before the break, Fortis goalkeeper Sujan Perera preserved parity by tipping away a dangerous strike from Kyrgyz midfielder Atabaev.
The deadlock broke swiftly after the interval. In the 52nd minute, Pa Omar embarked on a driving run through midfield, evading challenges before slipping a pass to on-loan forward Ibrahim. Positioned near the edge of the penalty box, Ibrahim unleashed a low, powerful drive that flashed into the back of the net, sparking jubilant scenes across the stadium. Soon after, a corner from Nepal’s Ananta Tamang forced the Muras goalkeeper into another desperate save.
Trailing by a single goal, Muras United threw caution to the wind and launched wave after wave of attacks, forcing the Fortis defence and goalkeeper Sujan Perera into strenuous defensive duties. Drama unfolded in the 74th minute when referee awarded a penalty to the visitors after a shot struck the arm of Nepali midfielder Arik Bista inside the box. Fortune favoured the hosts, however, as Shimomura’s resulting spot-kick cannoned off the side post and away to safety.
Despite an official attendance of 2,113, the atmospheric energy inside the venue mirrored that of a packed stadium, with supporters beating drums and celebrating throughout the match. The victory served as sweet redemption for Bangladeshi football, erasing memories of the corresponding week last year when Abahani Limited exited the same tournament following a 2-0 defeat to another physical Kyrgyz opponent.
The official draw for the group stage of the 2026-27 AFC Challenge League is scheduled to take place during the third week of this month in Kuala Lumpur. Meanwhile, the domestic fourth-place finishers, Police FC, prepared to take to the field in Jordan for their own preliminary fixture later that evening.
