Sohel gets the axe

Goalkeeper Shahidul Alam Sohel has not been included in the 31-member preliminary squad of the Bangladesh football team for the Bangabandhu Gold Cup, which is scheduled to get underway from October 1 in Sylhet.

Sohel made a silly mistake to concede the opening goal against Nepal in their last group match of the SAFF Championship earlier this month, and that mistake literally knocked the hosts out of the competition. The veteran, who came under heavy criticism from all quarters, paid the price by being axed from the national team.

English coach Jamie Day, who defended Sohel despite the mistake, said the goalkeeper needed rest to recover from the trauma of that defeat against Nepal.

“I think Sohel probably needs a break mentally from what has gone on since the SAFF [Championship] and he will come back stronger,” Day said explaining the exclusion of Sohel.

The 31-member squad features four goalkeepers including Ashraful Islam Rana, Anisur Rahman Ziko, Mahfuz Hasan Priton and Rasel Mahmud Liton, the latter being called up after a long gap. The coach also recalled veteran defenders Yeasin Khan and Ariful Islam and promising forward Javed Khan apart from the players who had been in training over the last three months. 

“The other additions are for me to have a look at over the next few days and see if they fit into what we are trying to do,” Day said. “The squad will be narrowed down, so with 31 keeps everyone on their toes and fighting for the final squad selection.”