Hamza Choudhury has linked up with the Bangladesh national squad in Jakarta ahead of the upcoming FIFA ASEAN Cup. His arrival completes the squad as preparations intensify for their opening fixture in FIFA’s new international tournament.
Choudhury arrived at the team hotel on Monday afternoon around four o’clock local time. After a short rest, he immediately joined his team-mates for an indoor gym session. The coaching staff split the squad into two groups for the workout. Choudhury took part in the second group alongside experienced captain Jamal Bhuyan, Shekh Morsalin, and Rakib Hossain.
The arrival of the midfielder brings crucial experience to the side. The final twenty-three-man squad also features three exciting expatriate players who earn their maiden international call-ups. Farhaan Ali Wahid, Zidane Alexander Yousuf, and Shuki Itofusa are set to bolster the midfield and attack. Farhaan is scheduled to reach the team hotel later on Monday evening. Meanwhile, weather delays in Japan forced a flight change for Shamit Shome, who will now arrive on Tuesday morning.
Head coach Thomas Dooley can now work with a full complement of players. The team will hold their first full pitch training session on Tuesday afternoon under Dooley’s guidance. Bangladesh face a challenging Group A schedule at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta. They will start their tournament against Malaysia on 25 September. Subsequent group matches follow against Singapore on 28 September and hosts Indonesia on 1 October.
