Fresh off winning the SAFF Under-20 Championship, Bangladesh are now setting their sights on the Asian stage and the Bangladesh Football Federation is wasting no time in strengthening the squad to meet that challenge.
As part of that effort, two England-based diaspora footballers, winger Adam Abbas and centre-back Zidane Yousuf, are set to be called up to the national Under-20 camp ahead of the AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifiers scheduled for late August. The development was confirmed by BFF Vice President Fahad Karim, who has overseen the federation’s push to recruit Bangladeshi-origin players from around the world.
Abbas, 19, is a right winger who came through the youth systems at Manchester United and Burnley U18 and currently plays for Wythenshawe Town FC. Speaking on his Facebook page, Fahad said: “I have shared Adam’s video footage and biodata with our technical team, and they were very impressed. Initially, they said they would like him in the camp for the AFC Under-20 qualifiers at the end of August.” His call-up remains conditional on the completion of his passport process, which is expected to be finalised by June, following contact established through Sarfaraz Nawaz, father of Ibrahim Nawaz.
Yousuf faces no such delay. The 18-year-old, 6ft 4in centre-back plays for sixth-tier English club Walton and Hersham FC, featuring for both the senior and youth sides, and has already found the scoresheet for the first team. With all passport formalities now complete, his path to the camp is clear. “Zidane’s passport process is complete. We will call him to the Under-20 camp, we have already informed him,” Fahad confirmed.
Fahad framed both additions as part of a broader effort to build on the federation’s recent SAFF success. “I believe we now have a very strong Under-20 team, and the inclusion of Adam and Zidane will make it even stronger,” he said. The BFF has maintained an active scouting programme targeting Bangladeshi-origin players globally, a policy that has gained significant momentum under the current federation leadership.
Bangladesh claimed the SAFF Under-20 title earlier this month, defeating India 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw in the final in Male, Maldives. US-based forward Ronan O’Sullivan, who scored twice in the tournament, sealed the victory with a Panenka in the shootout. His twin brother Declan O’Sullivan is also part of the squad, with diaspora players having already played a key role in the title triumph.
