No Zico, Cuba as BFF announces preliminary squad for Vietnam, Singapore ties

The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) on Sunday announced a 28-member preliminary squad of the men’s senior team for a training camp in Dhaka ahead of this month’s friendly against Vietnam and an AFC Asian Cup Qualifying tie against Singapore.

Bangladesh will play away to Vietnam on March 26 as part of their preparation for the away game against Singapore on March 31.

Coach Javier Cabrera has excluded five players from the 23-member squad that played against India in last November in Dhaka.

Winger Rakib Hossain and centre-back Topu Barman have not been considered due to suspension while there was no place either for England-based forward Cuba Mitchell and defender Taj Uddin.

Leicester City midfielder Hamza Choudhury was also not included, however, he is expected to join the national team in Vietnam on March 22.

Cabrera recalled fit-again defenders Bishwanath Ghosh, Monjurur Rahman Manik and Isa Faysal while young striker Mirajul Islam and experienced Rafiqul Islam and Sumon Reza also returned to the fray along with Fahamedul Islam, who missed the India tie due to suspension.

Despite rumours of a return, experienced goalkeeper Anisur Rahman Zico was once again left out.

Goalkeeper Ishaque Akondo is the only new inclusion. The 23-year-old plays for Brothers Union.

The players are scheduled to report to the team manager tomorrow in Dhaka. Their training is likely to get underway on Tuesday at the Bashundhara Kings arena.

Preliminary Squad

Goalkeepers: Mitul Marma, Sujan Hossain, Mehedi Hasan Srabon, Ishaque Akondo

Defenders: Tariq Raihan Kazi, Rahmat Mia, Shakil Ahad Topu, Abdullah Omar, Shakil Hossain, Zayyan Ahmed, Bishwanath Ghosh, Saad Uddin, Monjurur Rahman Manik, Isa Faysal.

Midfielders: Shah Quazem Kirmane, Sheikh Morsalin, Jamal Bhuyan, Sohel Rana, Md Sohel Rana, Mohammad Ridoy, Shamit Shome

Forwards: Arman Foysal Akash, Emon Shahriar, Faisal Ahmed Fahim, Fahamedul Islam, Mirajul Islam Rafiqul Islam, Sumon Reza.