Bangladesh midfielder Hamza Choudhury has emphasised that his side will not take San Marino lightly despite the European nation occupying the lowest position in the FIFA rankings, as Bangladesh prepare for their international friendly on 5 June.
Hamza joined the Bangladesh squad on Tuesday ahead of the match and expressed his excitement about linking up with the national team. While competing in a European football environment is familiar territory for the UK-based midfielder, the occasion presents a unique experience for many of Bangladesh’s locally based players, who have never previously faced a European national team on European soil.
Speaking after arriving at the team camp, Hamza said he was particularly looking forward to the match and the opportunity to represent Bangladesh in an unfamiliar setting.
“I am very excited. The environment here is very nice. However, I am most excited about the match,” he said.
The fixture forms part of Bangladesh’s preparations for upcoming international competitions, including the SAFF Championship, which is scheduled to take place in Dhaka in November. Team officials regard the match as an important opportunity to evaluate the squad against European opposition and assess areas requiring improvement ahead of future tournaments.
Hamza’s inclusion has attracted significant attention due to his extensive experience in European football. His presence is expected to provide valuable support to teammates who are adapting to a different footballing culture, unfamiliar playing conditions and a style of opposition rarely encountered by Bangladesh.
The midfielder acknowledged that integrating into the squad and adjusting to the tactical demands of a new coaching setup would present challenges. He identified developing on-field understanding with senior players, including captain Jamal Bhuyan, as an important aspect of his adaptation process.
Nevertheless, Hamza expressed confidence that he would quickly settle into the squad and contribute positively.
“It will certainly be somewhat challenging for everyone. However, with time, I will be able to adapt, Insha’Allah. I am prepared to work hard and listen to the coach’s instructions,” he said.
Although Bangladesh are currently ranked 181st in the FIFA rankings and San Marino occupy 211th place, Hamza believes the ranking difference should not lead to complacency.
He pointed out that San Marino regularly face some of Europe’s strongest national teams and therefore possess experience of competing against high-level opposition. He also noted that Bangladesh would be playing away from home and against a side working under a recently appointed coach.
“The match will certainly not be easy. They are accustomed to playing against big countries all the time, and the quality of their football has improved considerably. We are playing on their ground, and they have a new coach. Altogether, it is quite a challenging situation. It is a good challenge for us,” Hamza said.
The midfielder added that Bangladesh are eager to demonstrate their abilities on the European stage while gaining valuable competitive experience.
“We are looking forward to showing Europe and San Marino what we are capable of. At the same time, it will be excellent preparation for the SAFF Championship,” he stated.
For Bangladesh, the significance of the match extends beyond the result itself. The coaching staff are expected to use the fixture to assess player performances, tactical organisation and adaptability in a different footballing environment. Facing European opposition away from home offers a valuable opportunity to measure progress and identify areas for further development.
The encounter is also expected to help Bangladesh build momentum ahead of the SAFF Championship, where the team will aim to challenge for regional honours. Competitive matches against unfamiliar opponents can provide important lessons that may prove beneficial later in the year.
Hamza is scheduled to begin training with the squad from Wednesday and will have two training sessions before the match. Although the preparation period is relatively short, it will allow him to build chemistry with teammates and become familiar with the coaching staff’s tactical plans.
As Bangladesh continue their preparations for the November SAFF Championship, the friendly against San Marino represents both a competitive examination and a valuable learning experience. With Hamza now fully integrated into the squad, Bangladesh will seek to make the most of a rare opportunity to test themselves against European opposition on foreign soil.