Sri Lanka played out a 2-2 draw against Bhutan in their opening group-stage match of the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship, held at the Dhaka National Stadium in Bangladesh today (08).

The match, which kicked off at 7.30 p.m. Sri Lankan time, saw both teams produce a competitive performance, with neither side able to secure victory.

As a result, the encounter ended in a 2-2 stalemate, with both teams sharing the points.

In the match, Bhutan took the lead through Dawa Tshering in the 34th minute, but Sri Lanka hit back almost immediately as Oliver Kelaart’s effort took a deflection on its way into the net a minute later. Waseem Razeek extended their advantage in the 43rd minute, leaving Bhutan trailing 2-1 at half-time.

Bhutan, however, refused to surrender. They were handed a golden opportunity to reduce the deficit when they won a penalty in the 67th minute, but captain Chencho Gyeltshen failed to convert from the spot.

The Bhutan skipper made amends nine minutes later, finding the net in the 76th minute to restore parity and complete his side's comeback.

Sri Lanka could not find a winner despite their first-half advantage, and the draw left both sides on one point from two matches.

Sri Lanka have a notable history in the tournament, having finished runners-up in 1993 and claimed the championship title in 1995.

However, since their triumph in 1995, the Sri Lankan national team has not managed to qualify for the final of the competition.

The ongoing tournament marks the 15th edition of the SAFF Championship, which was first held in 1993.

Sri Lanka are scheduled to face hosts Bangladesh in their next group-stage fixture on November 11.