Hamza Choudhury didn’t speak to the media at the airport. He simply waved in response to the fans’ cheers and got into the BFF car. He reached the team hotel around noon. Later, in a video message released by the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), the English league defender urged fans to come to the stadium and support the team.
On Thursday (October 9) at 8 p.m., Bangladesh will face Hong Kong in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers at the Dhaka National Stadium. Hamza will play in that match, which will be his fourth appearance in the red-and-green jersey.
The Leicester City defensive midfielder made his national team debut last March against India. He later played against Bhutan and Singapore in June, scoring a goal against Bhutan. Upon his arrival in Dhaka this time, the Bangladesh star said,
“Assalamu Alaikum. I had a good journey. Inshallah, we will be successful. On the 9th, we’ll play against Hong Kong — please come and support us.”
National team manager Amer Khan confirmed that Hamza would join training later in the afternoon after some rest. Another expatriate Bangladeshi footballer, Shamit Som, has yet to arrive.
After reaching the hotel, Hamza expressed confidence about winning against Hong Kong.
The match against Hong Kong is crucial for Bangladesh. After losing to Singapore in their previous game, Bangladesh’s path to qualifying for the Asian Cup has become very difficult. Of the three home matches Bangladesh was targeting, they already lost the first one to Singapore. The next one, against Hong Kong on October 9, is now a must-win.
With five points dropped in two matches, Bangladesh’s hopes of advancing in the qualifiers are almost over. To keep their faint chances alive, the red-and-greens have no option but to win this game.
