Bangladesh have turned to England-based forward Mahi Khan as they seek to address a long-standing shortage of reliable goalscorers ahead of the SAFF competition. The young striker has earned a place in the national squad after an impressive start to the season, scoring nine goals in seven matches for his club, Malton FC.
The call-up reflects head coach Thomas Dooley’s determination to find a solution to a problem that has troubled Bangladesh for at least eight years. Despite efforts to strengthen the attacking department, the national side have often struggled to find a dependable centre-forward capable of converting chances consistently. Mahi’s recent scoring record has offered the coaching staff a potential new option.
A promising forward from English non-league football
Born in England, Mahi currently plays for Malton FC in the United Counties League Premier Division South, the ninth tier of English football. His nine goals in seven appearances this season have helped attract attention as Bangladesh look for greater attacking efficiency.
Standing at 1.83 metres, Mahi has a physical advantage that could prove useful in the penalty area. His height may make him an effective target for crosses, giving Bangladesh another option when building attacks from wide positions. He is primarily a striker but has also played on both wings, offering Dooley some flexibility when selecting his attacking line-up.
Although the level of competition in English non-league football differs from international football, Mahi’s recent form provides an encouraging indication of his goalscoring ability. The challenge will be to reproduce that effectiveness against stronger opposition and in the more demanding environment of an international tournament.
From youth football to the senior game
Mahi began his football development with Kettering Town’s youth team, where he spent seven years. He moved into senior football in 2024 with Rushden and Higham United before continuing his career with Malton FC.
His progression through the English football system has now brought him another opportunity to represent Bangladesh. The SAFF call-up is not his first experience of international football, however.
Mahi featured in three matches for Bangladesh during the qualifying rounds of the AFC Under-20 Asian Cup in August and September. He did not score in those appearances, but the experience gave him an introduction to representing the country at international level.
His inclusion in the senior squad therefore presents a fresh opportunity to demonstrate whether his club form can translate into goals for the national side.
Dooley takes a calculated gamble
Explaining the decision to select Mahi, head coach Thomas Dooley acknowledged that the move involved an element of uncertainty.
“Taking him into the team now is a bit like leaving things to chance. We believe he might be able to do the job we need. That is the situation at the moment,” Dooley said.
The coach’s remarks underline the urgency of Bangladesh’s search for a reliable striker. Mahi’s selection appears to be a calculated gamble, with his recent scoring record offering a reason to take a closer look at his potential despite his limited experience at senior international level.
For Bangladesh, the need is straightforward: convert attacking opportunities into goals more consistently. A forward who can occupy defenders, provide an aerial threat and operate in different attacking positions could offer valuable options, although his effectiveness will ultimately depend on how well he adapts to the demands of international football.
Mahi now has an opportunity to establish himself as a serious contender for a regular place in the national side. His performances in the SAFF competition will be closely watched as Bangladesh attempt to improve their attacking output.
Whether the 1.83-metre forward can turn his impressive club statistics into international success remains to be seen. For Dooley, however, Mahi represents a possible answer to a problem that Bangladesh have struggled to solve for years.
