Bangladesh U-20 preliminary squad named for SAFF C'ship, camp to start Friday

The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) today announced a 32-member preliminary squad for the Bangladesh U-20 team ahead of the upcoming SAFF U-20 Championship, with national discard Chandon Roy included in the list.

Preparations are set to begin on Friday (January 30) at the Shams Ul Huda Academy under the supervision of Golam Rabbani Choton. The eighth edition of the regional championship will be held in the Maldives from March 23 to April 4.

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Of the 32 players, 26 have been called up from nine professional clubs — Abahani, Bashundhara Kings, Mohammedan SC, Fortis FC, Bangladesh Police FC, Rahmatganj MFS, Brothers Union, Arambagh KS and PWD SC. The remaining six players come from second-tier league outfits Dhaka Wanderers Club, Khelaghar Samaj Kalyan KS, Suktara Juob Sangsad and City Club.

Bangladesh have been drawn into a tough Group B alongside four-time champions India and 2023 runners-up Pakistan. Group A comprises hosts Maldives, two-time champions Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh won the title in the 2024 edition and finished runners-up behind India in the last edition. Overall, Bangladesh have reached the final of the youth championship five times.