Jamal again dropped as Bangladesh face Hong Kong

Despite making three changes to the starting XI, Bangladesh head coach Javier Cabrera has once again left out veteran midfielder Jamal Bhuyan for their away fixture against Hong Kong in Asian Cup Qualifier, scheduled for 6 PM (Bangladesh time) on Tuesday.

One of the most talked-about decisions in the first match was the exclusion of US-based midfielder Zayan Ahmed. However, following public criticism and his recent performances, Zayan has been included in the starting XI.

Still, Cabrera has retained his long-time favourite, Saad Uddin, despite the latter being one of the most error-prone players in the previous game.

Saad’s brother, Taj Uddin, has not made the squad this time.

Centre-back Topu Barman, who played only in the second half of the home match due to injury, returns to the starting XI and will also wear the captain’s armband.

Interestingly, despite Topu’s return, junior Topu (Shakil Ahad) has also been retained in the backline, alongside Tariq Kazi.

Sohel Rana and Faisal Ahmed Fahim, who started in the previous game, have been dropped.

In their place, Shamit Shome has been brought in and is expected to be a key presence from the start. As usual, Hamza Choudhury will control the midfield. Up front, Rakib Hossain and Mohammad Morsalin will once again lead the attack.

Even though Bangladesh are playing away, they will wear their white “home” kit.

According to a mutual agreement between team managers before the first leg, Bangladesh wore their red “away” kit at home and will wear white in the away match.

Bangladesh starting XI:

Mitul Marma (GK), Zayan Ahmed, Tariq Kazi, Shakil Ahad Topu, Topu Barman (C), Saad Uddin, Hamza Choudhury, Shamit Shome, Sohel Rana, Morsalin, Rakib Hossain.