The host nation Bangladesh were placed in the same group to SA games champions India apart from Sri Lanka and Bhutan whereas Nepal, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Maldives will fight in the other group for their semifinal berth. Two table toppers from each group will move into the semis.

Earlier, the organizing association of the event Bangladesh Football Federation, signed two sponsorship contracts with KFC and Aamra networks.
BFF vice president Shawkat Ali Khan Jahangir, Manzoor Hossain Malu executive committee member Sirajul Islam Bachchu, general secretary Al Musabbir Sadi, chief operating officer of Aamra Networks Sharful Alam and KFC executive director Akku Chowdhury were present in the program.