"We will win against India", Hamza Choudhury optimistic ahead of Bangladesh's meeting against India

Hamza Choudhury landed at Sylhet Airport on Monday.

Ahead of the Indian national football team‘s upcoming encounter against Bangladesh, former Leicester City FC midfielder Hamza Choudhury recently shared his thoughts about the upcoming AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers. The 27-year-old is among the biggest names in the upcoming qualifying game between the two nations on 25 March 2025.

Currently playing on loan for Watford FC in the Championship, the defensive midfielder will be a vital cog for the Bengal Tigers as they look to qualify for the continental showcase for the first time since the 1980 edition. Choudhury will provide much-needed defensive cover and steel to the Bangladeshi midfield, who conceded 15 goals in their last eight international appearances.

Hamza Choudhury joins the national team with huge expectations 

The former Community Shield-winning midfielder’s arrival at Sylhet airport was nothing short of a celebration, with fans and media members showing up in huge numbers to welcome one of the country’s famous footballing names. His availability and readiness to help his native country earn AFC Asian Cup qualification has led to many Bangladeshi fans hailing his inclusion.

Choudhury, a player used to dealing with pressure on the field, was all smiles after receiving a warm welcome back home. Head coach Javier Cabrera will be keen to deploy a man with Choudhury’s talents in their upcoming AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers.

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Choudhry feels optimistic ahead of the India game

While addressing the media assembled outside the airport, the former Premier League midfielder stopped to address the media assembled. The Bangladeshi midfielder shared his delight over returning home and thoughts about the game against India.

He stated, “Hopefully two wins from the two derbies. So, Inshallah, we will win, and we will progress.” While sharing that he has big dreams to achieve with the Bangladesh national team, Choudhury has only one goal in the coming days: to win against India.

Former Leicester City FC midfielder and Bangladeshi midfielder Hamza Choudhury is optimistic about his side's chances ahead of the encounter against India.Video collected from Twitter! #IndianFootball #IndianFootballTeam #BlueTiges #indiavsbangladesh pic.twitter.com/oaVvC7H9Mx

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) March 17, 2025

Manolo Marquez and his men have their work cut out against Choudhury 

The former FA Cup-winning midfielder can cause Indian head coach Manolo Marquez and his men much trouble in Shillong. Considering the level of football he has experienced in England, Choudhury could be a class above the players currently at his disposal.

The English Football League Championship, similar to the Premier League, has high-tempo action, which is foreign to the current crop of Indian players. It will be up to the Spaniard to ensure his midfielder doesn’t get run over by Choudhury and his qualities as a versatile midfielder.

With qualification for AFC Asian Cup 2027 at stake, each game in Group C will be immensely significant for the Spaniard and his men. With India still searching for their first win in over a year, the upcoming international friendly against Maldives will be a good opportunity to build momentum before facing Hamza Choudhury and the Bengal Tigers.

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