Bangladesh’s domestic competitions are not producing forwards who steal the spotlight in big matches. Goals in lopsided fixtures, played in front of empty stands, do little to prepare players for the intensity of international football.
What should have been a showpiece final in Mymensingh turned into another sorry chapter in domestic football's decline.
Following Sheffield United midfielder Hamza Choudhury’s debut for Bangladesh against India last month, interest among expatriate footballers in representing the national team has seen a notable rise. Canada-based midfielder Shamit Shome has already expressed his desire to play for Bangladesh.
According to the long-serving captain, the most notable transformation since Hamza’s arrival has been a dramatic rise in team confidence.
The 27-year-old, currently a regular for Cavalry FC in the Canadian Premier League, was previously capped twice in friendlies for the Canada senior team in 2020.
A total of 245 matches have taken place globally since the December 2024 rankings, with teams from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and South America competing in FIFA World Cup 26 qualifiers.
Fresh off their hard-fought goalless draw against India in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers, Bangladesh’s national footballers took a break from the grind to spread festive cheer, extending Eid-ul-Fitr greetings to fans worldwide.
Ridoy had the simplest of chances to put Bangladesh ahead against India in the 12th minute.
It wasn’t just his skills on the pitch that won hearts—it was his character.
Bangladesh’s domestic competitions are not producing forwards who steal the spotlight in big matches. Goals in lopsided fixtures, played in front of empty stands, do little to prepare players for the intensity of international football.
What should have been a showpiece final in Mymensingh turned into another sorry chapter in domestic football's decline.
Following Sheffield United midfielder Hamza Choudhury’s debut for Bangladesh against India last month, interest among expatriate footballers in representing the national team has seen a notable rise. Canada-based midfielder Shamit Shome has already expressed his desire to play for Bangladesh.
According to the long-serving captain, the most notable transformation since Hamza’s arrival has been a dramatic rise in team confidence.
The 27-year-old, currently a regular for Cavalry FC in the Canadian Premier League, was previously capped twice in friendlies for the Canada senior team in 2020.
A total of 245 matches have taken place globally since the December 2024 rankings, with teams from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and South America competing in FIFA World Cup 26 qualifiers.
Fresh off their hard-fought goalless draw against India in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers, Bangladesh’s national footballers took a break from the grind to spread festive cheer, extending Eid-ul-Fitr greetings to fans worldwide.
Ridoy had the simplest of chances to put Bangladesh ahead against India in the 12th minute.
It wasn’t just his skills on the pitch that won hearts—it was his character.
Hamza Choudhury’s arrival sparked enthusiasm and interest in football in Bangladesh like never seen before.
