Yousuf adds fresh blood to U-23 team
The Bangladesh Football Federation yesterday disclosed a 38-member preliminary squad for the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers, including England-based forward Yousuf Zulqurnain Hoque, who plays for Ipswich Town FC in England's third-tier.
There are 11 players, including Finland-born defender Tariq Raihan Kazi, who have been named in the team but are busy preparing with the senior national team ahead of the upcoming SAFF Championship in Maldives. After the completion of the SAFF Championship, those 11 players will join the U-23 camp directly.
Those not engaged in the senior team's training camp have been asked to report to team manager Satyajit Das Rupu at the Dhanmondi Abahani ground today. Bangladesh have been placed in Group D for the qualifiers, which begin in Kuwait on October 27.
There were whispers about Yousuf for the past few days following the inclusion of Canada-based midfielder Rahbar Wahed Khan and Tahmid Islam in the national squad for the Three Nations Cup in Kyrgyzstan earlier this month. There were rumours that Yousuf would have been considered even if British coach Jamie had still been at the helm of the national team.
Coach-elect Maruful Haque told reporters that he would see Yousuf in trials and select him for the final squad if the League One player proves himself in training.
SQUAD: Pappu Hossain, Shanto Kumar Ray, Rahmat Mia, Riyadul Hasan Rafi, Yeasin Arafat, Maraz Hossain, Abu Shaeid, Rahim Uddin, Faisal Ahmed Fahim, Sabuj Hossain, Bishwanath Gosh, Rimon Hossain, Tariq Raihan Kazi, Biplo Ahmed, Mahbubur Rahman Sufil, Fahim Murshed, Mohammad Atiquzzaman, Amir Hakim Bappy, Jafar Iqbal, Tutul Hossain Badsha, Dipok Roy, Mohammad Ridoy, Manik Hossain Molla, Monir Alam, Jamir Uddin, Mohammad Jewel, Isa Faisal, Mitul Marma, Papon Singha, Hafizur Rahman Tapu, Monir Hossain, Rostom Islam, Sabbir Ahmed, Enamul Islam Gazi, Mahfuz Hasan Pritom, Nihat Jaman Ucchash, Mahmudul Hasan Kiran and Yousuf Zulqurnain Hoque.
Comments