The Bangladesh national football team received a significant boost on Monday morning with the highly anticipated arrival of star midfielder Hamza Choudhury. The Leicester City stalwart touched down in Dhaka, ready to link up with the "Red and Green" squad ahead of their crucial Asian Cup Qualifier against Singapore, set to electrify the National Stadium on June 10.
While the question of his availability for the preceding friendly match against Bhutan on June 4 remains unconfirmed, Hamza's presence has already injected a palpable surge of morale into the national camp. The squad, under the guidance of coach Javier Cabrera, commenced their preparations last Saturday for these two vital international fixtures, with Hamza's inclusion a pivotal part of their strategy.
The upcoming clash against Singapore promises to be a landmark occasion for football enthusiasts across Bangladesh. It will offer the local faithful their very first opportunity to witness the England-based midfielder, a product of the revered English Premier League system, don the national colours on home soil. Hamza, who made his debut for Bangladesh in a hard-fought goalless draw against India in March, will undoubtedly be eager to make a memorable impression in front of his adoring home supporters.
In a video message released today by the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), Hamza conveyed his profound desire for a successful home debut. "Hello, Assalam Walaikum everyone," he began, addressing the fans directly. "Just wanted to say thank you to all the fans, media, and journalists for my reception again. Looking forward to meeting up with the team and preparing for two big games. Inshallah, we'll be successful and I'll see you all there to support us." His words underscore the importance of fan support and his personal commitment to the team's success.
Hamza's initial outing for Bangladesh against India during the Asian Cup qualifiers in Shillong earlier this year was met with widespread acclaim. Despite the match ending in a goalless stalemate, the midfielder's commanding performance garnered significant praise, highlighting his potential to be a transformative figure for Bangladeshi football.
Meanwhile, the excitement surrounding the Singapore fixture is reaching a fever pitch, evidenced by an unprecedented surge in ticket demand. Organisers have confirmed to the media that all gallery tickets for the high-stakes encounter have already been completely sold out through the official online platform, with the vast majority of VIP-category tickets also snapped up. This remarkable response from the public reflects the growing anticipation and the significant impact Hamza's arrival has had.
Beyond Hamza, coach Javier Cabrera had previously announced a comprehensive 23-man squad for the Singapore match, emphasizing a blend of experience and new talent. Notable inclusions also feature Canada-based footballer Shamit Shome and Italy-based booter Fahamedul Islam, further strengthening the squad's depth and international exposure as Bangladesh aims for a strong showing in the Asian Cup qualifiers.
