Holders Bangladesh made a frustrating start in the six-nation South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) U-19 Men's Championship' 2025 after playing 2-2 draw with the Maldives in the opening match Friday afternoon.

Defending champions Bangladesh comfortably dominated the first half by 2-0 goals displaying an entertaining football at the Golden Jubilee Stadium, Yupia, in Arunachal Pradesh Friday afternoon.

But, the Maldives bounced back in the match in the 2nd half scoring two goals in a row to hold the title aspirants Bangladesh.

Bangladesh took lead in the 13th minute of the match when captain Nazmul Huda Faysal fired the Maldives net with a power-packed shot from top of the box (1-0).

Rifat Kazi doubled the Bangladesh margin in the last minute of the first half , utilizing a cross of Mithu Chowdhury. (2-0).

Anoof  Abdulla pulled back the Maldives margin in the 57th minute by a placing shot, off a Ibrahim Naser cross from left wing (2-1).

Ehtan Ibrahim Zaki leveled the Maldives margin in the 73rd minute by a good shot (2-2).

Despite of including the Bangladesh-origin foreign footballer, left winger Abdul Kadir of Italy in the day's squad, holders Bangladesh failed to make a good start

However, in the last few minutes, Bangladesh made some good attempts towards Maldives territory, but failed to change the result.

Bangladesh team, which put in Group A of the regional youth soccer meet with Bhutan and the Maldives, will play Bhutan on May 11 at 4:30 pm Bangladesh time at the same venue.

The Group B team comprises hosts India, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

The top two teams from each of the two groups will play in the semifinals on May 16 while the final match billed for May 18.