Imrul Hassan, the Bashundhara Kings president, said that they (Bashundhara Kings Arena) felt proud to host FIFA matches for the first time. 

“We felt proud to host FIFA matches for the first time. It is a great recognition for us. We became the country’s first club to host FIFA matches in its own venue. It is also a big feat for the whole nation,” he told the reporters on Thursday. 

Bashundhara Kings Arena of Bashundhara Sports Complex, which is also the home venue of Kings, hosted two FIFA Tier-1 International friendlies between Bangladesh and Afghanistan on Sunday and Thursday respectively. 

The stadium became the country’s fourth international venue and second international stadium in the capital after Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka, Sylhet District Stadium and Shamsul Huda Stadium in Jashore.

Also, the Kings Arena became the country's first club-owned football stadium to receive an official recognition for hosting international (FIFA and AFC) matches.  

However, the first match of these two FIFA friendlies ended in a goalless draw while the second match finished at 1-1 goals. 

“Bangladesh played very well in both matches, but they deserve to win the second match. However, I think the draw is a good result against the higher-ranked opponents. It will help us to improve in future,” Imrul, who is also the vice-president of Bangladesh Football Federation, further added.

BDST: 2001 HRS, SEP 08, 2023
MN