Bangladesh will play right-back Bishwanath Ghosh as a lone forward in their opening match of the SAFF Championship 2026 against Bhutan on Thursday, as per sources close to the team.

Bishwanath, who missed out of Bangladesh’s ASEAN Cup campaign due to injury, has returned to the squad for SAFF, and as per sources, is expected to start as a forward in the absence of a proven No.9 in the squad.

On Wednesday, in the team’s last practice session before the tournament, Bishwanath reportedly played as the centre-forward.

Tariq Kazi, who usually plays in defence, is also expected to start as a defensive midfielder.

Before the ASEAN Cup, head coach Thomas Dooley had spoken about viewing Bishwanath as more of an attacking option than a right-back.

“Bishwanath, for me, is also a player I could put up front. When you look at the San Marino game, he provided the assist for the second goal, was twice in front of the goalkeeper and could have scored," Dooley had told reporters.

"In my head, I actually had him as an offensive player rather than a defender because he goes in 100 per cent, and that can always be dangerous for free kicks and penalties in the box. He did an excellent job."