Hamza and Fahmedul named in Bangladesh's preliminary squad for Asian Cup Qualifier against India
Bangladesh will take on India in a highly anticipated qualifier as both teams aim to secure a spot in the AFC Asian Cup 2027.
The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has announced its preliminary squad for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers, with English-born Hamza Chowdhury and Italy-based Fahmedul Islam earning their first call-ups to the national team.
Chowdhury, a midfielder currently playing for Sheffield United, is set to bring top-tier European experience to Bangladesh. The 26-year-old, who previously played for Leicester City in the English Premier League, is expected to bolster Bangladesh's midfield with his defensive capabilities and composure on the ball.
His inclusion in the squad marks the culmination of months of waiting and processing his national team switch from England to Bangladesh. Having represented England at the youth level, Chowdhury's long-anticipated debut is expected to be a significant boost for the national team. His decision to play for Bangladesh was influenced by his deep-rooted connection to his family's heritage, and his eligibility was finally confirmed after extensive discussions between the BFF and FIFA.
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Fans have eagerly awaited his arrival, hoping his experience at the highest levels of club football will provide a much-needed lift to the squad's quality and tactical depth.
Fahmedul Islam, a 22-year-old forward playing for Olbia Calcio FC in Italy, has also been included in the squad. The BFF's decision to bring in the young striker highlights the federation's growing efforts to scout talent of Bangladeshi descent playing abroad. Fahmedul's pace and attacking instincts could add a new dimension to Bangladesh's frontline.
Bangladesh will take on India in a highly anticipated qualifier as both teams aim to secure a spot in the AFC Asian Cup 2027. The clash is expected to be a tough test for head coach Javier Cabrera, who will need to integrate his squad's domestic and international talents effectively.
The full preliminary squad is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Mitul Marma (Abahani Ltd. Dhaka), Sujon Hossain (Mohammedan SC Ltd.), Anisur Rahman (Bashundhara Kings), Mehedi Hasan Srabon (Bashundhara Kings), Shakib Al Hasan (Mohammedan SC Ltd.).
Defenders: Murad Hasan (Abahani Ltd. Dhaka), Mehedi Hassan (Mohammedan SC Ltd.), Shakil Ahad Topu (Mohammedan SC Ltd.), Rahmat Mia (Brothers Union Ltd.), Sakil Hossain (Abahani Ltd. Dhaka), Isa Faysal (Bangladesh Police FC), Taj Uddin (Rahmatgonj MFS), Tariq Kazi (Bashundhara Kings), Topu Barman (Bashundhara Kings), Saad Uddin (Bashundhara Kings), Sushanto Tripura (Brothers Union Ltd.), Yeasin Khan (Abahani Ltd. Dhaka), Jahid Hasan Shanto (Mohammedan SC Ltd.).
Midfielders: Md Ridoy (Abahani Ltd. Dhaka), Papon Singh (Abahani Ltd. Dhaka), Syed Shah Quazem (Bangladesh Police FC), Md Sohel Rana (Bashundhara Kings), Sohel Rana (Bashundhara Kings), Chandan Roy (Bashundhara Kings), Mohbubur Rahman Jony (Bashundhara Kings), Shekh Murselin (Bashundhara Kings), Jamal Bhuyan (Brothers Union Ltd.), Hamza Chowdhury (Sheffield United, England).
Forwards: Faysal Ahmed Fahim (Bashundhara Kings), Rakib Hossain (Bashundhara Kings), Rabby Hossen Rahul (Bashundhara Kings), Rafiqul Islam (Bashundhara Kings), Emon Shariah (Abahani Ltd. Dhaka), Mohammad Ibrahim (Abahani Ltd. Dhaka), Arif Hossain (Mohammedan SC Ltd.), Al Amin (Bangladesh Police FC), Piash Ahmed Nova (Fortis FC Ltd.), Fahmedul Islam (Olbia Calcio FC, Italy).
