Bangladesh announce 35-member squad for SAFF Championship 2023

Bangladesh have lifted the SAFF Championship back in 2003 as the host nation.

Bangladesh have announced a 35-member preliminary squad for the upcoming SAFF Championship, which starts on June 21 in India. Bangladesh's national football team, also known as the Red and Greens, will be among the eight participating nations in the tournament. They will compete against Maldives, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, Kuwait, and Lebanon.

Head coach Javier Cabrera has included a total of 35 players in the squad, which features a mix of experienced veterans and promising young talents. The squad includes several players who have played in international tournaments before and have the experience of playing against strong opponents, including India and Nepal. The Bangladeshi squad will be led by midfielder Jamal Bhuyan, who plays for the Sheikh Russel FC. He will be accompanied by experienced players such as Sohel Rana, Eleta Kingsley, and Hemanta Biswas.

Here's a list of the selected Preliminary squad :

Goalkeepers

1. Md Sahidul Alam (Abahani Ltd)
2. Mitul Marma (Fortis Football Club)
3. Md Mehdi Hasan Srabon (Muktijoddha Sangsad KC)
4. Anisur Rahman (Bashundhara Kings)

Defenders

5. Alomgir Molla (Abahani Ltd)
6. Md Rahmat Mia (Abahani Ltd)
7. Topu Barman (Bashundhara Kings)
8. Yeasin Arafat (Bashundhara Kings)
9. Bishwanath Ghosh (Bashundhara Kings)
10. Md Rimon Hossain (Bashundhara Kings)
11. Md Tutul Hossain Badsha (Bashundhara Kings)
12. Tariq Raihan Kazi (Bashundhara Kings)
13. Mehedi Hasan (Mohammedan SCL)
14. Murad Hasan (Mohammedan SCL)
15. Md Isa Faysal (Bangladesh Police FC)

Midfielders

16. Sohel Rana (Bashundhara Kings)
17. Masuk Mia Zoni (Bashundhara Kings)
18. Md Saad Uddin (Bashundhara Kings)
19. Md Ridoy (Abahani Ltd)
20. Sohel Rana (Abahani Ltd)
21. Md Mahadi Hasan (Abahani Ltd)
22. Jamal Bhuyan (Sheikh Russel KC Ltd)
23. Hemonta Vincent Biswas (Sheikh Russel Kc Ltd)
24. Md Mojibor Rahman Jony (Fortis Football Club)
25. Mohammad Rabiul Hasan (Bangladesh Police FC)
26. Md Abu Shaeid (Lt. Sheikh Jamal DC Ltd)

Forwards

27. Rakib Hossain (Bashundhara Kings)
28. Md Suman Reza (Bashundhara Kings)
29. Matin Mia (Bashundhara Kings)
30. Eleta Kingsley Oshiokha (Abahani Ltd)
31. Md Foysal Ahmed (Abahani Ltd)
32. Mohammad Ibrahim (Sheikh Russel Kc Ltd)
33. Md Sahariar Emon (Mohammedan SCL)
34. Md Rafiqul Islam (Fortis Football Club)
35. Md Aminur Rahman Sojib (Muktijoddha Sangsad KC)

Overall, the squad looks well-balanced and has a good mix of experienced campaigners and talented youngsters. Head coach Javier Cabrera will be hoping that his team can perform to their potential and make a strong impression at the SAFF Championship.

The SAFF Championship is an important tournament for Bangladesh, who have not won the competition for a long time despite coming close on several occasions. The team finished as champions in 2003 and runners-up in 2009 and 2018. Undoubtedly, they will be keen to lift the trophy this year.