Bangladesh football enters a busy day today. From the morning, a Test match is ongoing in Sylhet; in the afternoon, hockey action takes over—and by night, the excitement continues with a friendly match against Nepal. Expectations are running high for this national team match, as captain Jamal Bhuyan returns to the squad after a long absence, and coach Javier Cabrera has once again introduced some surprises in the lineup.
After a long journey from Canada, young footballer Samit has been given rest by the Spanish coach, just as he has done in the past.
Between the posts will be Mitul Marma, who has recently become a symbol of reliability for the national team. In defense, coach Cabrera has retained the pairing of Tariq Kazi and Tapu Barman, with the experienced Sad Uddin and expatriate youngster Zayan Ahmed on the flanks. The USA-based footballer impressed as a substitute against Hong Kong and also featured in the away match. Cabrera has shown faith in him again for this friendly.
Sad’s name is always a talking point—despite his experience, he has a history of costly mistakes. Criticism hasn’t stopped, but the coach’s trust in him remains firm.
In midfield, Sad will be joined by the returning captain Jamal Bhuyan, England-born Hamza Choudhury, and the two Sohel Ranas. There had been talk of fielding Cuba Mitchell in place of the injured Sheikh Morsalin, but the coach ultimately left him out of the starting eleven.
In attack, Faisal Ahmed Fahim and Rakib Hossain—currently the team’s most consistent forwards—will lead the line.
The match kicked off at 8 PM at the Bangabandhu National Stadium. Bangladesh’s new tactics and fresh faces will draw the most attention. Samit’s absence may raise questions, but Zayan and Sad will have the responsibility to answer them on the field.
Bangladesh XI:
Mitul Marma (GK), Tapu Barman, Tariq Kazi, Sad Uddin, Zayan Ahmed, Jamal Bhuyan (captain), Hamza Choudhury, Sohel Rana, Md. Sohel Rana, Faisal Ahmed Fahim, and Rakib Hossain.
