Bangladesh Faces India in AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers – Premier League Star Hamza to Debut in Red and Green
Dhaka, March 25: The Bangladesh national football team is set to face India this evening in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, a match that carries great significance as it marks the debut of English Premier League star Hamza Choudhury in Bangladesh’s jersey.
The match will take place in Shillong, Meghalaya, India, at 7:30 PM Bangladesh time. Hamza Choudhury will become the first-ever footballer in Bangladesh’s history to play in the national team after competing in the English Premier League, generating immense excitement among Bangladeshi football fans.
Meanwhile, India’s legendary captain and all-time leading international goal scorer, Sunil Chhetri, has come out of retirement to represent his nation once again. Many are viewing this match as a direct showdown between Hamza Choudhury and Sunil Chhetri.
The match will kick off at 7:00 PM local time in Shillong, a city that has hosted very few international football matches. After March 19, this will be the first international football match in Shillong, drawing anticipation from local fans and supporters from both nations.
Historically, football was highly popular in Bangladesh from the post-independence era to the 1990s, but over the past two decades, the sport has taken a backseat to cricket. However, Hamza Choudhury’s arrival is seen as an opportunity to revive football’s popularity in the country.
Bangladesh last played in the AFC Asian Cup main round in 1980 but has failed to qualify since. With Hamza’s addition to the squad, hopes have been reignited. A victory against India would boost Bangladesh’s morale ahead of their matches against Hong Kong and Singapore.
Although Bangladesh has not defeated India in the last two decades, they have consistently put up strong fights in their encounters. With Hamza Choudhury now in the squad, many believe Bangladesh has a real shot at victory.
Tonight’s match is set to be a historic moment for football fans in both countries.
