Although Bangladesh have already been eliminated from the Asian Cup qualifiers, anticipation is building ahead of their upcoming fixture against India. Matches between these long-standing rivals always carry extra drama, history, and emotion, making the encounter highly anticipated by fans and players alike.
Bangladesh’s squad began an intensive training camp on Wednesday in preparation for the match scheduled on 18 November, the second leg of the third round of qualifiers. Captain Jamal Bhuiyan, who has now joined the camp, made it clear that the team’s focus is solely on defeating India.
“It’s a big match,” Jamal said upon joining the camp. “The opponent is India, and Bangladesh–India matches always carry history and emotion. We want to win against India.”
Squad Assembly and Preparations
The full squad has yet to assemble, with several players still completing club commitments. Hamza Chowdhury is expected to join on 10 November, while Shomit Shome, who plays in Canada, will be available after 8 November. Jamal reflected on the first day of camp:
“It’s only the first day, and the full squad hasn’t arrived yet. In three or four days, everyone will be here. Hamza and Shomit will join a bit later. Hopefully, we’ll have a good camp.”
Coaching Update
Head coach Javier Cabrera is currently on leave in Spain following the birth of his child. Team manager Aamer Khan confirmed Cabrera will return to Dhaka around 2 or 3 November and will join preparations shortly thereafter.
Warm-Up Match
As part of their preparations, Bangladesh will face Nepal in a friendly at the National Stadium on 13 November, a replacement for the originally planned match against Afghanistan, who could not travel. Jamal expressed his satisfaction with the adjustment:
“The level of Afghanistan and Nepal is quite similar. This is a preparation match, and it will be helpful before facing India. I also have four or five Nepali players in my club team, so it’ll be quite fun playing against them.”
Player Availability and Suspensions
Bangladesh will be without Fahamidul Islam, who is suspended due to card accumulation. Jamal expressed his regret:
“Fahamidul has great chemistry and understanding with this group. I personally enjoy having him around — he’s a very good lad.”
Key Match Information
| Match | Date | Venue | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh vs. Nepal (Friendly) | 13 November | National Stadium, Dhaka | Warm-up for India clash |
| Bangladesh vs. India (Asian Cup Qualifier) | 18 November | Dhaka | Fahamidul suspended; full squad joining gradually |
Jamal emphasised the significance of facing India:
“A Bangladesh–India match always carries an extra thrill. Football fans eagerly wait for it, and even those who don’t usually follow football get excited — because the opponent is India. We want to win this match.”
With passion, rivalry, and national pride at stake, Bangladesh are determined to give their supporters a memorable performance despite being out of contention for qualification.
