Bangladesh head coach Javier Cabrera has reshuffled his starting XI ahead of their crucial Asian Cup Qualifier return leg against Hong Kong, China, as the team seek a victory to keep their qualification hopes alive. The match kicks off at 6pm (Bangladesh time) on Tuesday at Kai Tak Stadium.
After a narrow 4-3 defeat in the first leg at the National Stadium, Cabrera faced criticism for introducing expatriate players Zayyan Ahmed and Shamit Shome only as second-half substitutes. Both impressed after coming on, US-based defender Zayyan added stability at the back, while Canada-based midfielder Shamit scored the late equaliser before Bangladesh eventually lost. Their performances have now earned them spots in the starting XI.
Experienced defender Tapu Barman also returns after recovering from injury to marshal the defence from the outset. Cabrera has opted for a five-man backline, featuring Zayyan, Tapu, Shakil Ahad, Tariq Raihan Kazi and Sad Uddin, as he looks to tighten things up at the back following the first-leg defeat.
In midfield, Cabrera will rely on Hamza Choudhury, Sheikh Morsalin, Shamit Shome and Sohel Rana Senior to control possession and link up with forward Rakib Hossain, who once again leads the attack. Mitul Marma retains his place in goal.
Faisal Ahmed Fahim and Sohel Rana Junior, both starters in the previous game, have been dropped from the line-up. Zayan, meanwhile, will be deployed in a more advanced role on the left flank, adding flexibility to Bangladesh’s approach.
Bangladesh’s situation remains precarious. They sit bottom of Group C with just one point, behind Hong Kong (7), Singapore (5) and India (2). Only a win can keep them mathematically in contention for the next round.
Even if they triumph in this fixture and the following two, taking their tally to 10 points, qualification will still depend on other results. Bangladesh must hope Hong Kong drop points against Singapore and India, while ensuring Singapore do not reach double figures themselves.
Bangladesh starting XI: Mitul Marma (goalkeeper), Tapu Barman, Shakil Ahad, Tariq Raihan Kazi, Sad Uddin, Zayyan Ahmed, Hamza Choudhury, Sheikh Morsalin, Shamit Shome, Sohel Rana (Senior) and Rakib Hossain.
