Dhaka, Nov. 6 -- Bangladesh began their SAFF Championship campaign with a hard-earned 1-0 victory over Bhutan in Dhaka, substitute Mohammad Ibrahim coming off the bench to settle a largely one-sided contest with a crisp volley.

Thursday's win at the National Stadium marked Bangladesh's first step towards reclaiming a title they last lifted in 2003.

It also extended their dominance over Bhutan in the competition, with seven victories and one draw from eight meetings.

Bangladesh made an assured start and came close to breaking the deadlock in the eighth minute.

Faisal Ahmed Fahim's first attempt was blocked, but he gathered the rebound and forced goalkeeper Gyeltshen Zangpo into a sharp save.

Zangpo was soon called into action again, k...