Police FC's continental dream ends fast in defeat to Al Ittihad
Bangladesh's dream of a double celebration in the AFC Challenge League lasted only a few hours. While Fortis FC marched into the group stage with victory over Kyrgyzstan's Muras United, Police FC suffered the opposite fate on their own continental debut.
Police FC went down 1-0 to Syrian side Al Ittihad Ahli Aleppo at Jordan's King Abdullah Stadium late on August 11 2026, going out in the preliminary round barely six hours after Fortis had sealed their spot in Dhaka.
With Syria's ongoing conflict ruling out a home fixture, the match was staged at the neutral venue in Amman. Al Ittihad controlled large spells of the contest and eventually broke through in first half stoppage time.
Brazilian defender Jordan Rodrigues rose highest at the far post following a corner, heading the ball beyond Police's goalkeeper to hand his side the lead. Police players protested that the ball had come off a teammate's hand in the build up, but with no VAR system in place, the goal was allowed to stand.
Police had actually created the better of the early chances. Cameroonian forward Ngong Sam found space between two defenders in the 15th minute but dragged his shot straight at the goalkeeper from just outside the box.
The second half offered little in the way of drama. Police pushed for an equaliser but could not fashion a clear opening, while Al Ittihad, content with their advantage, did not seriously threaten to extend the lead.
It brought an end to a landmark debut for the club, who have featured in Bangladesh's top division since the 1970s but were making their first appearance in an AFC Challenge League fixture.
Police's participation, much like Fortis's, was itself a product of circumstance. Under normal rules, the domestic league's champions and runners up represent Bangladesh in the competition, but with Bashundhara Kings and Dhaka Abahani ruled out by FIFA sanctions linked to club licensing, the opportunity passed instead to third placed Fortis and fourth placed Police.
Fortis made the most of their chance, beating Muras United 1-0 at Bashundhara Kings Arena courtesy of a Mohammad Ibrahim strike to become the first Bangladeshi club to reach the group stage of the competition.