Bangladesh announces 28-member preliminary squad for Vietnam, Singapore matches

The Bangladesh Football Federation has announced a 28-member preliminary squad for upcoming matches against Vietnam and Singapore.

The squad, revealed on Sunday (March 15), includes one new face — 23-year-old Brothers Union goalkeeper Ishak Akand.

Bangladesh national football team will first play a friendly away against Vietnam on March 26 before facing Singapore in an AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers match on March 31.

Head coach Javier Cabrera has left out five players who were part of the squad for last November’s match against India national football team. Winger Rakibul Hasan and defender Topu Barman are absent due to suspension, while England-based forward Cuba Mitchelll and defender Taj Uddin were not included.

Midfielder Hamza Choudhury of Leicester City has not been named in the initial camp but is expected to join the team in Vietnam on March 22.

Defenders Bishwanath Ghosh, Monjurur Rahman Manik and Isa Faisal return after recovering from injuries.

Young striker Mirajul Islam, experienced forward Rafiqul Islam and Sumon Reza have also been recalled, while Fahamidul Islam is back after missing the India match due to suspension.

Players have been asked to report to a hotel in Dhaka on Monday to join the training camp.

Squad:
Goalkeepers — Mitul Marma, Sujon Hossain, Mehedi Hasan, Ishak Akand.

Defenders — Tariq Kazi, Rahmat Mia, Shakil Ahad, Abdullah Omar, Shakil Hossain, Zayan Ahmed, Bishwanath Ghosh, Sad Uddin, Monjurur Rahman Manik, Isa Faisal.

Midfielders — Kazem Shah, Sheikh Morsalin, Jamal Bhuyan, Sohel Rana, Md Sohel Rana, Mohammad Hridoy, Shamit Shome.

Forwards — Arman Faisal, Imon Shahriar, Foysal Ahmed, Fahamidul Islam, Mirajul Islam, Rafiqul Islam and Sumon Reza.