Abahani defender Shakil Ahad Topu was handed his first senior cap by coach Javier Cabrera as Bangladesh squared off against Maldives in the first of two FIFA friendly matches at the Bashundhara Kings Arena on Wednesday.

Attacking midfielder Syed Shah Quazem Kirmanee was given his first start after making his debut during a World Cup qualifying fixture against Kuwait earlier in the year.

Bangladesh are looking to get victory in both matches in a bid to improve their ranking and thereby place themselves in Pot 3 for the draw for next year's Asian Cup Qualifiers.

Mitul Marma held on to his position between the sticks as Saad Uddin, Topu Barman, Shakil and Isa Faysal completed the four-man defence.

In midfield, Mohammad Ridoy is flanked by Kirmanee and Sohel Rana while Sheikh Morsalin, Rakin Hossain and Faysal Ahmed Fahim completed a familiar front three for Bangladesh.

The last time these two sides met ended in a 2-1 win for the hosts at the same venue last year, which resulted in Bangladesh going through to World Cup Qualifiers at Maldives' expense with a 3-2 aggregate win.