The Bangladesh national football team is scheduled to depart for Jakarta, Indonesia, on September 19 to participate in the inaugural FIFA-organized ASEAN Cup. Head coach Tom Saintfiet has established a training camp in Dhaka with 28 players, including Jamal Bhuyan and Rakib Hossain, currently training at the Bashundhara Kings Arena.
Tournament Schedule and Format
The ASEAN Cup will take place in Jakarta from September 24 to October 5. Bangladesh will arrive early to acclimatize to local conditions. Their opening match is against Malaysia on September 25, followed by Singapore on September 28 and host nation Indonesia on October 1. The tournament features eight teams divided into two groups; the top two teams from each group will advance to the final, while others play placement matches, ensuring at least four games for every participant.
Squad Updates and Player Availability
- Foreign-based players, including Sheffield United’s Hamza Choudhury, Fahmidul, Shamit, and Tariq Kazi, are expected to join during the September-October FIFA window, though some remain uncertain.
- US-based goalkeeper Saif Kerawala has joined the national camp, with team manager Amirul Islam Babu expressing optimism regarding his inclusion.
