Jamal benched as Bangladesh make three changes for Hong Kong, China clash

It’s a bold call from head coach Javier Cabrera ahead of Bangladesh’s must-win AFC Asian Cup Qualifier against Hong Kong, China Away Game. Skipper Jamal Bhuyan has been left on the bench, as the men in red and green look to keep their qualification hopes alive.

From the team that started in last Thursday’s 4–3 home defeat, Cabrera has made three changes — Topu Barman, Zayyan Ahmed, and Shamit Shome come into the starting lineup, replacing three from the previous match. Defender Topu, who missed the first leg through injury, also takes over the captain’s armband.

The match kicks off at 6 PM Bangladesh time at the Kai Tak Sports Park Stadium in Hong Kong — a venue that could either keep Bangladesh’s Asian Cup dream alive or end it for good.

With the pressure mounting and no room for mistakes, Cabrera’s reshuffled lineup aims to find the balance that narrowly slipped away in Dhaka.

Bangladesh XI:

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

BP/SP