Bangladesh named a 32-man preliminary squad on Monday morning for the June 5 friendly against San Marino as new coach Thomas Dooley prepares to lead his first training session at Kings Arena.
The squad will begin camp from Monday in Dhaka before departing for Europe on May 31. Diaspora footballers Hamza Choudhury, Shamit Shome and Zayyan Ahmed will not join the Dhaka camp and instead travel directly to San Marino.
Dooley arrived in Bangladesh three days ago and spent the weekend holding meetings with members of the coaching staff and national teams committee. Sources said discussions focused on the possible line-up, tactical planning and San Marino’s strengths before the June fixture.
Bashundhara Kings provide the largest group in the preliminary squad with 10 footballers selected. Goalkeeper Anisur Rahman Zico joins defenders Bishwanath Ghosh, Md Saad Uddin and Topu Barman in the squad alongside midfielders Sohel Rana, Mohammad Sohel Rana and Md Ridoy.
Forward Rakib Hossain had initially earned a place in the squad but later took leave to remain beside his pregnant wife.
Defender Topu returns after missing the Singapore match through suspension. However, Arman Faisal and Suman Reza have dropped out from the previous 23-man squad.
Goalkeepers Mitul Marma, Md Sujon Hossain and Anisur remain in contention as Bangladesh prepare for Dooley’s first match in charge.
Bangladesh preliminary squad:
Goalkeepers: Mitul Marma, Md Sujon Hossain, Anisur Rahman
Defenders: Tariq Raihan Kazi, Topu Barman, Md Shakil Ahad Topu, Bishwanath Ghosh, Md Saad Uddin, Zayyan Ahmed, Md Taj Uddin, Md Rahmat Mia, Md Abdulla Omar, Md Sakil Hossain, Md Isa Faysal, SM Monjurur Rahman
Midfielders: Jamal Bhuyan, Md Sohel Rana, Sohel Rana, Md Ridoy, Hamza Dewan Choudhury, Shamit Shome, Shekh Morsalin, Syed Quazem Kirmanee Shah
Forwards: Fahamedul Islam, Md Sahariar Emon, Md Foysal Ahmed Fahim, Mohammad Ibrahim, Mirajul Islam, Md Minhazul Karim Shadin, Md Rafiqul Islam
