DHAKA: Bangladesh U-23 national team on Monday started their Asian Games campaign by beating Afghanistan 1-0 at the Munhak Stadium in Incheon of South Korea.

Captain Mamunul Islam scored the goal a few minutes before the end of the match with a low drive from the edge of the box.

Afghanistan, who are 31 places above Bangladesh in the latest FIFA rankings, had a superior ball possession percentage in the first half and created a number of opportunities to score without success.

Bangladesh reorganised themselves in the second half and scored the decisive goal in the 84th minute.

Bangladesh will play their second match of Group B against favourites Uzbekistan on September 18 and against Hong Kong on September 22.

BDST: 1845 HRS, SEP 15, 2014