Bangladesh announces 38-man preliminary squad for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers

Leicester City star Hamza Choudhury has also been included in Bangladesh’s squad.

As Bangladesh prepares to battle India, Hong Kong, and Singapore in the upcoming AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers, they have unveiled their 38-member preliminary squad for the third round of the qualifiers .

The squad boasts some of Bangladesh’s finest footballers, including a few who have gained experience in European football, particularly in Italy and England. This selection reflects a blend of domestic stalwarts and overseas talents, aiming to bolster the team’s prospects as they seek to secure a spot in the prestigious continental tournament.

With a challenging road ahead, Bangladesh will rely on the tactical acumen of their coaching staff and the experience of key players to navigate through a competitive qualification stage. The upcoming fixtures present an opportunity for the team to showcase their progress on the international stage, with a balanced mix of youthful exuberance and seasoned professionals providing depth to their squad.

As they gear up for this crucial phase, all eyes will be on how Bangladesh fares against formidable opponents in their quest for Asian football’s grandest stage.

Can Bangladesh top the group?

Bangladesh’s journey to the AFC Asian Cup 2027 has been a rollercoaster so far. In the first round, they edged past Maldives with a narrow 3-2 aggregate victory over two legs. However, the second round proved to be a stern test as they struggled against superior opposition in Group I, which featured powerhouses like Australia, Palestine, and Lebanon.

Failing to secure a single win in that phase, Bangladesh found themselves relegated to the third round, where they now face a do-or-die situation to keep their qualification hopes alive.

This time, Bangladesh has been drawn into Group C alongside India, Hong Kong, and Singapore, setting the stage for a challenging campaign. While the fixtures against Hong Kong and Singapore might be evenly contested, overcoming regional giants India will be a monumental task.

To secure a place in the AFC Asian Cup 2027, Bangladesh must defy the odds, deliver inspired performances, and possibly pull off an upset against stronger teams. Their fate hinges on their ability to rise to the occasion and produce a miracle run in the upcoming matches.

Will the Hamza effect be the X Factor?

Bangladesh’s squad for the AFC Asian Cup third-round qualifiers is primarily composed of players from domestic clubs like Dhaka Abahani, Bashundhara Kings, Mohammedan SC, and Rahmatgonj MFS. However, two players in the squad bring European experience to the team, potentially adding much-needed quality and composure to their lineup.

Fahamedul Islam, a promising midfielder, currently plies his trade with Italian club Olbia Calcio FC. His exposure to European football could be crucial in adding technical finesse and tactical awareness to Bangladesh’s midfield.

The most high-profile inclusion, however, is none other than Hamza Choudhury. The defensive midfielder, who has long been a well-known name in English football, recently obtained his Bangladeshi passport, making him eligible to represent the national team. With close to a century of appearances for Leicester City, Choudhury now plays for Sheffield United in the English second division on loan. His experience in top-tier football, combined with his combative playing style and leadership, could prove invaluable as Bangladesh aims to defy expectations in the qualifiers.

Bangladesh preliminary squad for AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers

Goalkeepers: Mitul Marma, Md Sujon Hossain, Anisur Rahman, Mehedi Hasan Srabon

Defenders: Murad Hasan, Mehedi Hassan, Md Shakil Ahad Topu, Rahmat Mia, MD Sakil Hossain, Isa Faysal, Taj Uddin, Tariq Kazi, Topu Barman, Saad Uddin, Sushanto Tripura, Yeasin Khan, Md Jahid Hasan Shanto

Midfielders: Md Ridoy, Papon Singh, Syed Shah Quazem Kiramnee, Md Sohel Rana, Sohel Rana, Chandon Roy, Mohbubur Rahman Jony, Shekh Murselin, Jamal Bhuyan, Hamza Choudhury, Faysal Ahmed Fahim, Rakib Hossain, MD Rabby Hossein Rahul

Forwards: Rafiqul Islam, Shimon Shariah, Mohammad Ibrahim, Arif Hossain, Al Amin, Md Piash Ahmed Nova, Fahamedul Islam

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