Hamza included in Bangladesh team for Asian Cup qualifiers

Bangladesh will play against host India in the Asian Cup qualifiers in March. In preparation for this match, the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) announced a preliminary squad of 38 players on Sunday. As expected, Hamza Dewan Choudhury, who plays in the English league, made the squad. This is his first time being included in the Bangladesh team, and he currently plays on loan for Sheffield United. Along with him, five other new players have been added to the squad for the first time: goalkeeper Shakib Al Hasan, defender Zahid Hasan Shanto, midfielder Fahamedul Islam, and forwards Arif Hossain and Al Amin.

Ahead of the India match, the Bangladesh football team will set up a training camp in Saudi Arabia. While there is some uncertainty about whether Hamza, who plays in England, will attend, he is expected to arrive in Bangladesh before the match against India. The camp is likely to begin in the first week of March.

Bishwanath Ghosh is absent from the squad due to a recent foot surgery, while Jamal Bhuiyan has been included. Although Jamal didn't play in the opening match of the Premier League, he is set to join Brothers Union in the second phase after resolving some contractual issues.

After the squad announcement, Bangladesh's head coach, Javier Cabrera, explained that players were selected based on their performances in the BPL and Federation Cup. He also expressed optimism about the addition of Hamza, a player from European leagues, who is expected to strengthen the team.

India and Bangladesh will face off in the first match of the Asian Cup qualifiers in Shillong on March 25.

Bangladesh Preliminary Football Squad:

Goalkeepers: Mitul Marma, Sujon Hossain, Shakib Al Hasan, Anisur Rahman Zico and Mehdi Hasan Srabon.

Defenders: Tariq Kazi, Topu Barman, Saad Uddin, Murad Hasan, Yeasin Khan, Shakil Hossain, Mehdi Hasan, Shakil Ahad Topu, Jahid Hasan Shanto, Rahmat Mia, Sushanto Tripura, Isa Faysal and Taj Uddin.

Midfielders: M. Sohel Rana, Sohel Rana, Chandan Roy, Mujibar Rahman Jonny, Shekh Morsalin, Mohammad Hridoy, Papon Singh, Syed Shah Quazem Kirmanee, Jamal Bhuyan, and Hamza Dewan Choudhury.

Forwards: Foysal Ahmed Fahim, Rakib Hossain, Rabbi Hossen Rahul, Rafiqul Islam, Emon Shahriar, Mohammad Ibrahim, Arif Hossain, Al Amin, Piash Ahmed Nova and Fahamedul Islam.