Just three days after the Bangladesh Premier Football League (BPL) concluded, the national team has hit the ground running in preparation for their crucial World Cup and Asian Cup joint qualifiers.
With barely any time to rest after the grueling league season, 26 footballers reported to manager Ameer Khan on Saturday to begin training for the upcoming matches against Australia and Lebanon on June 6th and 11th, respectively.
National team captain Jamal Bhuiyan expressed his optimism, stating that the team's focus has shifted entirely to the national team after the BPL. He highlighted the home advantage for the match against Australia, with the support of the crowd and a familiar climate. Bangladesh will be aiming to build on the point they earned in their home match against Lebanon, adding an extra layer of motivation for the
away fixture.
The 26-man squad includes a new face, Mohammedan Sporting Club goalkeeper Sujan Hossain. However, the most talked-about topic is the omission of veteran goalkeeper Anisur Rahman Ziko. Captain Jamal acknowledged Ziko's significant contributions over the past five years. While the Spanish coach remained diplomatic, he did mention Sujan's strong performance in the BPL season.
With a hectic schedule ahead, the Bangladesh team will practice at the Kings Arena today. Australia will arrive on June 4th, followed by a practice session on June 5th and the match itself on June 6th. They will depart Bangladesh on the same day. The national team will then travel to Qatar for their match against Lebanon on June 11th.
This report provides a concise overview of the national team's immediate challenges and preparations for their upcoming qualifiers. It highlights the tight schedule, new additions, and a notable absence, keeping football fans informed about
the current situation.
