Dhaka Abahani Limited will play their upcoming AFC Challenge League match against Kyrgyz side FC Muras United at the National Stadium in Dhaka on 12 August, with kick-off scheduled for 5pm.
The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) runners-up had initially listed Sylhet District Stadium as their home venue in their AFC licence application. However, the club later appealed to the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) to shift the match to the capital, citing the readiness of the National Stadium following recent renovations.
The BFF approved Abahani’s request and officially informed the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) of the venue change. The match will mark the return of competitive club football to the National Stadium for the first time since the 2021 domestic league season.
Abahani’s participation in the continental competition comes after an unusual turn of events. While BPL champions Dhaka Mohammedan Sporting Club earned the right to represent Bangladesh in the AFC Challenge League, they were unable to take part due to not possessing an AFC licence.
Meanwhile, Bashundhara Kings, who finished third in the league, also secured a spot in the tournament after several other clubs across Asia failed to meet the AFC’s eligibility criteria.
The match against FC Muras United presents a significant moment for Abahani and Bangladeshi football, not only for its competitive value but also as a symbolic return of top-tier club football to the country’s premier sporting venue.