The Bangladesh national football team began their preparations in Nepal on Thursday ahead of two FIFA international friendlies against the hosts on 6 and 9 September. The fixtures are part of the team’s build-up to their crucial Asian Cup qualifying third-round ties against Hong Kong in October.
The squad held their first training session at the Army Headquarters Football Ground after their arrival in Kathmandu was delayed by nearly eight hours due to flight disruptions. The opening session was kept light, focusing on stretching and warm-up exercises to help the players adapt to local conditions.
Head coach Javier Cabrera made it clear that while the primary focus is preparing for Hong Kong, the team will approach the Nepal matches with a winning mentality.
“Our main objective here is to get the team ready for Hong Kong. But whenever we step onto the pitch, the target is always victory. Nepal are a strong opponent, and these two matches are also a chance to give more minutes to players who haven’t had much game time before,” Cabrera said after training.
Bangladesh have not beaten Nepal for more than three years, something Cabrera hopes to change in Kathmandu.
“These two matches are mainly preparation for the Hong Kong games. But even then, a match always means we play for victory,” he added.
The squad is missing Hamza Dewan Choudhury, who was ruled out with injury, and Samit Som, who is also unavailable in this FIFA window. Their absence leaves a bigger role in midfield for Mohammad Hridoy, who stressed that the team remain focused on results.
“Our target will definitely be victory. We want to play the way the coaches want and use these matches to prepare well. Everyone knows how important Hamza bhai is, but those who are here will give their best. If we do that, we will win,” Hridoy said.
Forward Mohammad Ibrahim also acknowledged the challenge of adjusting to the conditions in Nepal.
“The difference between the weather here and in Bangladesh is huge, and adapting is a big challenge. Still, the team is experienced. Some players may be missing, but those who are here can deliver good football,” he noted.
On the absence of Hamza and Samit, Cabrera said their unavailability opens the door for others:
“Since Hamza and Samit are not here, some players will get more game time than in the last match. It’s a good opportunity for them and a big challenge for everyone.”
Bangladesh last played on 10 June against Singapore in Dhaka. Several players from that squad, including Mehedi Hasan Srabon, Shakil Ahad, Al-Amin, Sheikh Morsalin, Mojibor Rahman and Zahid Hasan, are not in Nepal as they are currently part of the under-23 squad competing in Vietnam.
After the friendlies in Kathmandu, Bangladesh will turn their full attention to Hong Kong, who they face at home on 9 October before the away leg on 14 October.
