DHAKA, Sept 1, 2023 (BSS) - Bangladesh U-23 football team leave will here for Thailand on Monday (Sept 4) to take part in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup 2024-qualifiers scheduled to be held in Chonburi from September 6-12.
Bangladesh which pitted in group H along with host Thailand, Malaysia and Philippines U-23 football teams, will play their group opening match against Malaysia on September 6 in Chonburi Stadium.
The U-23 football team will play their remaining group matches against Thailand and Philippines on September 9 and 12 respectively at the same venue.
The tournament consists with eleven groups. The top five runners-up will play with the champions of each group in the main round.
Addressing at a press conference held at Bangladesh Football Federation's Bhaban this (Friday) afternoon Bangladesh U-23 team's head coach Mohammad Zulfiker Mahmud Mintu said they would take part in the tournament with an aim to qualify in the main round.
"Definitely our aim will be to play in the main round. The first match of the tournament is very important for us. If we get points against Malaysia, then the chances of playing in the main round will be brighten," said the Bangladesh coach.
But, the footballers have very dismal record of scoring goal in the interracial arena. Coach Mintu also admitted that the issue by saying that it's a big challenge in the AFC U-23 tournament and also a important issue. Goals are not only technical but also psychological. In this case the players will have to believe on their own ability.
Bangladesh U-23 football team - Md Mehdi Hasan Srabon Gk, Shanto Kumar Ray Gk, Shakib Al Hasan Gk, Yeasin Arafat Df,Shahin Ahammad Df, Md Sabbir Hossen Df, Ismail Hossain Df, Md Jahid Hasan Shanto Df, Md Mahamudul Hasan Kiron Df, Md Sabuj Hossain Df, Md Sakil Hossain Df, Jayed Ahmed Mf, Akkas Ali Mf, Shahidul Islam Mf, Meraj Hossain Opi Mf, Md Sayde Mf, Md Rafiqul Islam Fw, Arif Hossain Fw Md Piash Ahmmed Nova Fw, Md Enamul Islam Gazi Fw, Amir Hakim Bappy Fw, Md Jamir Uddin Fw and Arman Foysal Akash.
