Update Time :
09:46:30 pm, Tuesday, 2 September 2025
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The Bangladesh under-23 national football team will take on hosts Vietnam in their opening match of the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers at Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Thọ on Wednesday.
The match kicks off at 6:00 pm Bangladesh Standard Time.
According to a media release from the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), the team completed their third training session on Tuesday at the Phu Tho SC Training Ground. The players were reported to be in high spirits, delivering strong performances and maintaining full focus on preparations. Ahead of the opener, the squad underwent an intensive tactical session, with set pieces and finishing the main priorities.
Midfielder Sheikh Morsalin expressed his confidence before the match.
“Alhamdulillah, we have had two training sessions since arriving here. Overall, our team has been preparing for the past month. We played two practice matches in Bahrain. I believe we are all mentally prepared for the match. We have waited a long time and worked hard for this moment, and we will give our best. We are ready,” he said in a video message provided by the BFF.
Assistant coach Hasan Al Mamun also praised the team’s balance and potential.
“There are players with different profiles who will lead the Bangladesh team in the future. It is an interesting squad, with high hopes for the tournament and strong confidence. The national team players motivate the others, making it a very well-organised team. Historically, our results at the U-23 level have not been great, but I believe this team has the capability to achieve something significant. After a long time, Bangladesh has a combined strong team,” he said.
Italian Serie D side Olbia Calcio player Fahamedul Islam joined the squad on Tuesday, although he did not take part in training. All players are otherwise reported to be in good condition and fit to play.
Meanwhile, head coach Saiful Bari Titu has been unwell with a fever. In his absence, assistant coach Hasan Al Mamun led Tuesday’s training session and may also direct the team from the dugout if Titu is unable to attend. Both Mamun and Morsalin urged fans to keep their coach in their prayers.
“Titu bhai is the guardian of the team and a source of motivation for us. He has been suffering from fever since Monday night and went to the hospital on Tuesday. We are not sure if he will be able to continue tomorrow. Hopefully, the boys will see it as a challenge and play for Titu bhai. I will try to lead the team if Titu bhai cannot, and we ask everyone to keep us in your prayers,” Mamun said.
Bangladesh have been drawn in Group C alongside Vietnam, Yemen and Singapore. After facing Vietnam, they will meet Yemen on 6 September and Singapore on 9 September, with both matches also at Viet Tri Stadium. The 11 group winners, along with the four best runners-up, will join hosts Saudi Arabia in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup 2026.
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