Two overseas players included in Bangladesh squad for FIFA WCQ

The Bengal Tigers' squad will be facing India as well as Oman and Afghanistan in June.

Ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in June, Bangladesh have announced a 25-member squad to face India, Oman and Afghanistan. The Bengal Tigers have called up former Finland U-19 player of Bangladeshi-origin Tariq Kazi as well as Denmark-born former Mohammedan SC star Jamal Bhuyan.

Kazi has previously played for Finnish club Ilves Tampere and currently represents Bashundhara Kings in the Bangladesh Premier League.

The squad will be led by Jamal Bhuyan, who recently played in the I-League for Mohammedan SC. The skipper will hope to inspire the team for the upcoming games against Afghanistan, India and Oman respectively. Bangladesh are sitting bottom in the group standings in fifth position, below fourth-placed India. They play against the Blue Tigers on June 7, 2021.

Before leaving for Qatar, the team will play two preparatory games in Saudi Arabia. The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) earlier announced a 33-man squad for the Group E Qualifiers on May 8, 2021. A number of national team regulars defender Biswanath Ghosh, goalkeeper Ashraful Rana and winger Saad Uddin have not been picked in the final squad.

There are also no U-23 players in the squad, so head coach Jamie Day will be relying on experience in the matches to come. Additionally, Mohammad Ibrahim, who made it to the final 25-man squad, has tested positive for COVID-19. However, if Ibrahim tests negative before May 28, he can still join up with the contingent.

The inclusion of Tariq Kazi is certainly a positive for the fans of the Bangladesh national football team. They will be hoping that the side can spring a few surprises and replicate a performance similar to when they held India to a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture. 

Full squad

Goalkeepers: Shahidul Yousuf Sohel, Anisur Rahman, Russel Mahmud Liton.

Defenders: Rahmat Mia, Topu Barman, Riyadul Hasan Rafi, Yeasin Arafat, Rimon Hossain, Mehedi Hassan Tapu, Habibur Rahman Sohag, Tariq Kazi, Emon Mahmud Babu.

Midfielders: Jamal Bhuyan, Mohammad Abdullah, Masuk Mia Jony, Sohel Rana, Biplu Ahmed, Motin Mia, Rakib Hossain, Manik Hossain Molla, Mehedi Hasan Royal.

Forwards: Sumon Reza, Mohammad Jewel Rana, Mohammad Ibrahim.

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