The Bangladesh U-23 National Football Team has safely returned to Dhaka on 11 September 2025, arriving from Vietnam on flight TG 339. Their return comes on the back of a morale-boosting 4-1 victory over Singapore in their final AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifying match.
Bangladesh’s campaign in Vietnam had already seen them fall short of qualification after defeats to the hosts Vietnam and a strong Yemen side. Yet the team showed resilience and character in their last outing, producing the kind of performance that offered both pride and encouragement for the future. The comfortable win over Singapore not only restored belief but also ensured Bangladesh finished third in their group, above their Southeast Asian rivals.
The match against Singapore started evenly, with both sides locked at 0-0 at half-time. Bangladesh looked sharper in possession and more composed than in previous games, with goalkeeper Mehedi Hasan Srabon producing vital saves to keep the score level before the break. In the second half, however, the Bangladesh attack found its rhythm. Fahamedul Islam opened the scoring with a spectacular long-range strike on the 70th minute, before Fahamedul Islam and Al-Amin quickly added to the tally. The flurry of goals overwhelmed Singapore, who struggled to regain control as Mohsin and captain Sheikh Morsalin sealed the win. Singapore managed a consolation goal in stoppage time, but the result was never in doubt.
The performance against Yemen earlier in the campaign had hinted at Bangladesh’s potential, though that game ended in defeat. Many felt the team had been unlucky not to take something from that contest. Against Singapore, however, their persistence paid off, and the players left the pitch with the result their effort deserved. For the young squad, it was not only about ending the tournament well but also about showing that Bangladesh has the talent to compete with quality opposition.
While the campaign may not have ended in qualification, it concluded with Bangladesh proving that they are not far from the next level. The safe arrival of the squad in Dhaka closes this chapter, but the spirit shown in Vietnam will be remembered as a positive step forward for the U-23 side.
