Bangladesh head coach Thomas Dooley is open to taking the national team into the ASEAN Cup, believing the tournament could provide a valuable test ahead of the SAFF Championship.
The Bangladesh Football Federation had initially wanted a home friendly against a similarly ranked opponent during the September FIFA window. An unexpected invitation to join the ASEAN Cup has now changed those plans.
The federation discussed the proposal with Dooley after a meeting of its national team committee. Bangladesh have responded positively to enquiries from FIFA and Indonesia, although their participation has not yet been formally confirmed.
“There is a possibility of playing in the ASEAN Cup,” Dooley told reporters. “It would be good if it happens. Bangladesh can play there. It is still under discussion and nothing has been finalised.”
The tournament would give Bangladesh the chance to face stronger opposition such as Indonesia and Singapore. Dooley believes that could help prepare his side for the SAFF Championship, which begins in Dhaka on 4 November.
“Indonesia and Singapore are good opponents,” Dooley said. “Playing against them would be good preparation. Bangladesh would be the underdog, so there would not be much pressure.”
The coach accepts that difficult results could affect his players, but he sees value in testing them against higher-quality opposition.
Bangladesh still have several options for the September window. A home tournament and a possible trip to Kyrgyzstan remain alternatives, leaving Dooley with little certainty over his preparations.
The FIFA window begins on 21 September, and the lack of a confirmed plan is already making his work more difficult.
“ASEAN, a home tournament or the Kyrgyzstan tournament, we still have to decide,” Dooley said. “It is difficult to plan when there is no decision.”
Dooley has also expressed frustration over the uncertainty surrounding domestic football. The new league season is expected to start on 28 August, but that date has yet to be confirmed.
The former United States captain said clubs would normally complete four to six weeks of conditioning before the league begins. Several clubs have been unable to follow that schedule, while players have already spent five weeks without training.
