Daka, Bangladesh: Sri Lanka and Bhutan played out an entertaining 2–2 draw in their Group A encounter at the TECNO SAFF Championship 2026 at the Dhaka National Stadium in Bangladesh, with both sides sharing the points.
Bhutan took the lead through Dawa Tshering in the 34th minute, but Sri Lanka responded almost immediately. Oliver Kelaart’s effort took a deflection before finding the back of the net just a minute later to restore parity.
Sri Lanka then took control before the break, with Waseem Razeek scoring in the 43rd minute to put his side 2–1 ahead at half-time.
Bhutan returned with renewed determination after the interval and were given an opportunity to level the score when they were awarded a penalty in the 67th minute. However, captain Chencho Gyeltshen failed to convert from the spot.
The Bhutan skipper made up for the missed opportunity nine minutes later, scoring in the 76th minute to bring his team back on level terms and complete the comeback.
Despite Sri Lanka’s first-half advantage, neither side managed to find a decisive goal in the closing stages, and the match ended 2–2. The result leaves both teams with one point each after two matches.
The draw also confirmed Bangladesh’s progress to the semi-finals after the hosts had opened their campaign with a 1–0 victory over Bhutan. The top two teams from each group qualify for the last four.
Sri Lanka have a notable history in the competition, having finished runners-up in the inaugural 1993 edition before winning the title in 1995. However, they have not reached the final since that championship triumph.
The ongoing tournament is the 15th edition of the SAFF Championship, which was first staged in 1993.
Sri Lanka will face hosts Bangladesh in their next group-stage fixture on November 11.
