Bangladesh Football Match Player List : AFC Asian Cup Qualification – Everything You Need to Know

The AFC Asian Cup is one of the most prestigious football tournaments in Asia, and for Bangladesh, qualifying for this coveted competition is a dream that unites fans and players alike. As the Bangladesh national football team gears up for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers, excitement is building around their upcoming matches, particularly their opening clash against India on March 25, 2025. In this detailed guide, we’ll dive into the Bangladesh football team’s player list for the AFC Asian Cup qualification matches, explore key players, and provide insights into their journey in this tournament. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious follower, this post has everything you need to know about the Bengal Tigers’ squad.

Bangladesh Football in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers: A Brief Overview

Bangladesh, affectionately known as the Bengal Tigers, has a rich footballing history, though their success on the continental stage has been limited. Their only appearance in the AFC Asian Cup came in 1980, when they qualified for the tournament in Kuwait. Despite not securing a win in that competition, the team showed resilience and attacking flair, with Kazi Salahuddin and Ashrafuddin Ahmed Chunnu etching their names into history as the nation’s only goal scorers in the tournament.

Fast forward to 2025, and Bangladesh is determined to make a return to the AFC Asian Cup, this time set to be hosted by Saudi Arabia in 2027. The third round of qualifiers, starting March 25, 2025, pits Bangladesh against tough opponents in Group C: India, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Only the group winner will advance, making every match a must-win for the Bengal Tigers. With a mix of domestic talent and international stars, the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has announced a preliminary squad that promises to bring excitement and hope to fans.

Bangladesh’s Preliminary Squad for AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers

The Bangladesh Football Federation recently released a 30-member preliminary squad for their AFC Asian Cup qualification campaign, with the final lineup to be trimmed before their opening match against India. This squad reflects a blend of experienced players, emerging talents, and a few overseas stars who are set to elevate the team’s performance. Below is the detailed player list, categorized by position, based on the latest updates as of March 24, 2025.

Goalkeepers

1. Mitul Marma (Abahani Ltd. Dhaka)
   • A reliable shot-stopper known for his agility and quick reflexes, Mitul is a mainstay in the domestic league.
2. Sujon Hossain (Mohammedan SC Ltd.)
   • With strong performances in recent seasons, Sujon brings depth to the goalkeeping department.
3. Mehdi Hasan Srabon (Bashundhara Kings)
   • A young and promising keeper, Mehdi has been tipped as a future star for Bangladesh.
4. Anisur Rahman (Bashundhara Kings)
   • A seasoned goalkeeper with experience in high-pressure matches, Anisur adds stability between the posts.
5. Shakib Al Hasan (Mohammedan SC Ltd.)
   • Not to be confused with the cricketer of the same name, this Shakib is a rising talent in goal.

Defenders

1. Shakil Ahad
   • A versatile defender capable of playing across the backline, Shakil offers tactical flexibility.
2. Shakil Hossain
   • Known for his physicality, Shakil is a key figure in thwarting opposition attacks.
3. Rahmat Mia
   • A veteran defender with leadership qualities, Rahmat is expected to anchor the backline.
4. Isa Faisal
   • A young talent with strong tackling skills, Isa is one to watch in the qualifiers.
5. Mohammad Tajuddin
   • Tajuddin’s consistency in the domestic league makes him a dependable option.
6. Tariq Raihan Kazi
   • Playing abroad in India’s I-League, Tariq brings international experience to the squad.
7. Topu Barma
   • A towering center-back, Topu is crucial for set-piece defending and aerial duels.
8. Saad Uddin
   • Saad’s pace and overlapping runs make him a dynamic full-back.
9. Sushanto Tripura
   • A promising youngster, Sushanto adds depth to the defensive unit.
10. Mohammad Ridoy
    • Ridoy’s tenacity and work rate bolster Bangladesh’s defensive options.
11. Papon Singh
    • Another emerging talent, Papon is eager to prove himself on the big stage.
12. Syed Shah Quazem Kirmanee
    • A technically gifted defender, Syed could be a surprise package in the qualifiers.

Midfielders

1. Md Sohel Rana
   • A box-to-box midfielder, Sohel’s energy drives the team’s engine room.
2. Sohel Rana
   • A creative playmaker, Sohel Rana is known for his vision and passing accuracy.
3. Chandon Roy
   • Chandon’s flair and dribbling skills add an attacking edge to the midfield.
4. Mojibar Rahman Jony
   • Jony’s work rate and versatility make him a vital cog in the midfield.
5. Shekh Morsalin
   • A rising star, Morsalin’s technical ability has caught the eye of fans and scouts alike.
6. Jamal Bhuyan (Captain)
   • The team’s captain and heartbeat, Jamal’s experience in Europe (FC Copenhagen) and leadership are invaluable.
7. Hamza Dewan Chowdhury
   • The standout name in the squad, Hamza brings Premier League pedigree from Leicester City and Sheffield United.
8. Foysal Ahmed Fahim
   • Fahim’s attacking instincts and goal-scoring ability make him a dangerous midfielder.

Forwards

1. Rakib Hossain
   • A prolific striker in the domestic league, Rakib is Bangladesh’s go-to man for goals.
2. Shahriar Emon
   • Emon’s pace and finishing make him a constant threat upfront.
3. Mohammad Ibrahim
   • Ibrahim’s physical presence and aerial ability add variety to the attack.
4. Arif Hossain
   • A young forward with a knack for finding space, Arif is one to watch.
5. Al Amin
   • Al Amin’s versatility allows him to play as a striker or winger.
6. Piash Ahmad Nova
   • A skillful forward, Piash brings creativity to the attacking third.
7. Fahamedul Islam
   • Playing in Italy’s fourth division with Olbia Calcio, Fahamedul’s inclusion highlights Bangladesh’s global talent search (though he may miss the India match).

Key Players to Watch in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers

Hamza Dewan Chowdhury

Arguably the biggest name in Bangladesh football history, Hamza Chowdhury is set to make his debut for the Bengal Tigers against India. The 27-year-old midfielder, born in England to a Bangladeshi mother, has played in the English Premier League with Leicester City and is currently on loan at Sheffield United in the Championship. With an FA Cup and EFL Championship title under his belt, Hamza’s defensive nous, composure, and ability to dictate play could transform Bangladesh’s midfield. Fans are buzzing with anticipation to see how he integrates into the squad.

Jamal Bhuyan

As the team’s captain, Jamal Bhuyan is the glue that holds Bangladesh together. Born in Denmark to Bangladeshi parents, Jamal has experience with FC Copenhagen and brings a European flair to the team. His leadership and ability to control the tempo of the game will be crucial in the qualifiers.

Rakib Hossain

When it comes to scoring goals, Rakib Hossain is Bangladesh’s main man. The forward has consistently delivered in the domestic league and will be tasked with converting chances against tough defenses like India’s. His partnership with creative midfielders like Hamza and Sohel Rana could prove decisive.

Bangladesh’s Preparation for the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers

Under head coach Javier Cabrera, Bangladesh began their preparatory camp in Dhaka in late February 2025, though key players like Hamza Chowdhury and Fahamedul Islam were absent initially due to club commitments in Europe. The team then traveled to Saudi Arabia for a two-week training stint, including a friendly against Jordanian club Al Wehdat. This preparation underscores Cabrera’s intent to blend domestic and international talent into a cohesive unit.

The opening match against India on March 25, 2025, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong, will be a stern test. India, ranked 126th in the FIFA standings compared to Bangladesh’s 185th, boasts a strong record against their neighbors, with stars like Sunil Chhetri leading the charge. However, with Hamza’s inclusion and a motivated squad, Bangladesh aims to upset the odds.

Bangladesh’s AFC Asian Cup Qualification Schedule

• March 25, 2025: India vs Bangladesh (Away)
• June 10, 2025: Bangladesh vs Singapore (Home)
• October 9, 2025: Bangladesh vs Hong Kong (Home)
• October 14, 2025: Singapore vs Bangladesh (Away)
• November 18, 2025: Bangladesh vs India (Home)
• March 31, 2026: Hong Kong vs Bangladesh (Away)

Why This Squad Matters for Bangladesh Football

The inclusion of players like Hamza Chowdhury and Fahamedul Islam signals a new era for Bangladesh football. The BFF’s efforts to tap into the diaspora and scout talent abroad could elevate the team’s competitiveness on the Asian stage. While domestic stars like Rakib Hossain and Jamal Bhuyan remain the backbone, the injection of international experience could be the key to securing a historic qualification.

How to Follow Bangladesh in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers

Fans can catch live updates, scores, and highlights of Bangladesh’s matches through platforms like Sofascore, the official AFC website, and local broadcasters. The match against India on March 25, 2025, will be a focal point, with live streaming likely available on JioHotstar and telecast on Star Sports in India.