The excitement surrounding Bangladesh football has reached a fever pitch as head coach Javier Cabrera on Wednesday unveiled a formidable 26-man preliminary squad, featuring the highly anticipated inclusion of European-based talents: Hamza Chowdhury, Shamit Shome, and Fahamidul Islam. Their presence is set to inject a fresh wave of skill and a distinct continental flair into the Bengal Booters, as they gear up for a pivotal Asian Cup qualifying campaign and a crucial warm-up fixture.
The national team's training camp, a vital preparatory phase, is slated to kick off from tomorrow. The squad's immediate focus will be a friendly match against Bhutan on June 4, a vital opportunity for Cabrera to fine-tune his tactics and assess player combinations. Following this, their attention will shift to the main event: a daunting Asian Cup qualifier against Singapore on June 10.
Hamza Chowdhury, already a familiar face on the international stage with previous caps for Bangladesh, brings valuable experience and composure to the squad. Meanwhile, the anticipation surrounding Shamit Shome is palpable.
Having honed his skills in the competitive Canadian Premier League, all of Shome's eligibility processes have been meticulously completed, paving the way for what promises to be a highly anticipated debut in the revered red and green national colours.
Adding another layer of European influence, Fahamidul Islam, who has been refining his game in the demanding Italian league, has already integrated seamlessly with the Bangladesh camp. His prompt arrival, a testament to the Federation's proactive scouting and logistical efficiency, saw him touch down in Dhaka on Wednesday morning at approximately 8:00 AM, having flown directly from Rome.
The logistical coordination required to bring these international talents into the fold has been extensive and precise. Hamza Chowdhury is now expected to arrive in Dhaka on either June 2 or 3, ready to link up with his new teammates and commence training. Shamit Shome is slated to follow closely behind, with his arrival anticipated on June 4, completing the full assembly of Cabrera's preliminary squad.
In other squad news, seasoned forward Suman Reza makes a welcome return to the national setup after a notable absence, adding much-needed depth and a proven goal-scoring threat to the attacking options. However, there will be disappointment for Chandan Roy, who featured in the recent squad against India but has, regrettably, been omitted from this crucial preliminary roster.
"We believe this squad offers the right blend of experience and youthful exuberance, which is crucial for our upcoming challenges," commented a source close to the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), highlighting the strategic thinking behind Cabrera's meticulous selections. "The inclusion of Hamza, Shamit, and Fahamidul provides us with new dimensions and a broader talent pool, giving us a significant boost as we aim for success in the Asian Cup qualifiers." The coming weeks promise to be intense as the Bengal Booters prepare to make their mark on the international stage.
Bangladesh Preliminary Squad
Goalkeepers: Mitul Marma, Sujon Hossain, Mehedi Hasan Srabon Defenders: Shakil Ahad Topu, Zahid Hasan Shanto, Rahmat Mia, Isa Faysal, Taj Uddin, Tariq Kazi, Topu Barman, Sad Uddin Midfielders: Mohammad Hridoy, Syed Shah Kazem Kirmani, Sohel Rana, Mujibur Rahman Jony, Sheikh Morsalin, Jamal Bhuyan, Hamza Chowdhury, Shamit Shome Forwards: Fahamidul Islam, Faysal Ahmed Fahim, Rakib Hossain, Emon Shahriar, Mohammad Ibrahim, Al Amin Suman Reza.
