Bangladesh coach Peter Butler was looking to embrace the challenge of facing strong opponents after his side were drawn in a tough group, which included defending champions China, in their maiden Women's Asian Cup campaign.
The BFF had approached several top local coaches to take charge of the U-23 team, but all declined for various reasons.
Bangladesh have been placed in Group A of the SAFF U-17 Championship along with hosts Sri Lanka, who will stage the regional youth tournament in Colombo from September 15 to 20.
With less than a month remaining before the transfer window of the Bangladesh Premier League closes, footballers are struggling to secure suitable contracts for the upcoming 2025-26 season due to financial constraints faced by the participating clubs.
Morsalin, who left Bashundhara Kings in search of more game time, said the welcome made his move all the more special.
Meanwhile, reigning world champions Argentina have retained their top spot
Players have spoken publicly about the need for proper nutrition, functioning gyms, better training grounds, and a stable domestic league.
Tanned by summer heat, tuned by a season of relentless graft at Sheffield United, and tested by rollercoaster ride with Bangladesh, the 26-year-old returned to the club where his footballing identity was forged.
In Peter Butler’s system, the Bangladesh goalie is also the first attacker.
Bangladesh and Bashundhara Kings forward Rakib Hossain finished as the top local scorer in the recently concluded Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), netting 11 goals in 17 games -- one more than the previous season. Rakib spoke with The Daily Star’s Anisur Rahman about his form, domestic football, the national team, and the inclusion of Canada-based Shamit Shome in the Bangladesh squad.
Bangladesh have never qualified for the finals of the AFC U-23 Asian Cup.
Last season, clubs could register six foreign players, of whom four were eligible to play. This time, though, each club can sign five foreign players, but only three can feature in any given match.
With 15 clean sheets in 21 games in the Federation Cup and the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Abahani goalkeeper Mitul Marma has been the standout performer this season.
“BFF always tries to innovate -- and in doing so, mistakes can happen. We admit that. The real issue isn’t the delay, but how quickly we can resolve it,” said the BFF president.
With so much to look forward to, Bangladeshi football fans are counting the days left to face Singapore.
A mainstay in domestic football and a reliable presence between the sticks for Bangladesh from 2015 to 2022, Rana also played for Chittagong Abahani, Saif Sporting Club and Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra.
The title-deciding fixture between the two unbeaten sides will kick off at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia at 7:30pm Bangladesh time.
Bangladesh were relatively dominant in terms of possession and chance creation, and it took Golam Rabbani Choton’s charges 73 minutes to break the deadlock.
Kick-off is scheduled for 4 pm (Bangladesh time) at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia.
