Bangladesh national football team coach Javier Cabrera wants to ensure that every player is in peak condition before facing India.
Hamza Choudhury joined his teammates for his first training session on Tuesday at the Bashundhara Kings Arena after returning to Dhaka, while Canada-born Shomit Som is expected to join the squad on Wednesday. The following day, Bangladesh will play a friendly against Nepal. With an eye on the crucial match against India, Cabrera plans to give both Hamza and Shomit some game time against Nepal to help them adjust and build chemistry with the team.
The Bangladesh coach also aims to make sure both the starting lineup and the substitutes are fully prepared for the big clash.
Although Nepal comes first, Bangladesh’s main focus is clearly the Asian Cup Qualifier against India on November 18. Before training began, Cabrera reflected on that game, mentioning the team’s 0-0 draw with India in Shillong last March and their ongoing frustration at not having won in the qualifiers yet.
“We are preparing for the India match. So, we plan to give as many as 17 players — including the starting eleven and six substitutes — enough match time against Nepal. Our goal is to prepare as well as possible to beat India,” Cabrera said.
“Of course, our target is to defeat India. That’s the mindset of the entire team. We’ve been performing well, but we haven’t yet secured the three points we’ve been craving. We believe that will change in the India match.”
Hamza and Shomit will get some time to adapt to the team before the India game. Cabrera isn’t worried about their integration, as both players have previously represented Bangladesh in earlier qualifiers. The Spanish coach said everything is going according to plan.
“The plan is progressing smoothly. We’ve already held multiple team meetings, even before Hamza arrived. We’re not only focused on the upcoming match against Nepal, but we’re also giving special attention to the India game,” Cabrera explained.
“The best part of today’s session is that Hamza is with us, which is great. Shomit will arrive tomorrow, and we’ll assess how he feels once he’s back. The main thing is to look after them and make sure they’re in top shape for the India match. Hopefully, both of them will get some minutes on the pitch.”
Hamza arrived in Dhaka on Monday and attended an event with his new club, Rabi, in the morning before joining the national team’s training in the evening. His arrival has generated huge excitement among football fans, with tickets for the India match selling out online within minutes. Cabrera views this growing enthusiasm positively.
“I think the team is playing well, and players like Hamza naturally attract attention,” said Cabrera. “This attention is positive and expected. We should enjoy it as much as we can. Yes, there’s a bit of noise around it, but overall, it’s good for everyone in the team.”
