Bangladesh will miss Hamza, Shamit in Nepal friendlies, says Ibrahim

Bangladesh football team forward Mohammad Ibrahim said that they will feel the absence of star teammates Hamza Choudhury, Shamit Shome, and Fahamedul Islam in their upcoming two FIFA friendlies against hosts Nepal but was hopeful that the experienced players in the side will make up for these absences.

Bangladesh had their first training session in Kathmandu on Thursday following a long journey that was deferred by nearly six hours due to some technical issues with their flight.

The charges of Javier Cabrera had a recovery session at the team hotel in the morning before heading to the Army Headquarters ground where they did some stretching followed by some light warmup.

The 23-member Bangladesh squad in Nepal is without Leicester City's Hamza, who is recovering from an injury, and Calgary FC's Shamit, who had earlier confirmed his unavailability.

Italy-based booter Fahamedul and Bashundhara Kings' new signing Cuba Mitchell are currently playing for the Under-23 side in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers in Vietnam. Goalkeeper Mehedi Hasan Srabon, forwards Sheikh Morsalin and Al Amin, and defender Shakil Ahad Topu are also busy in the same event.

"We will miss those who haven't come with us but everyone here are experienced players, who will be trying their level best to make up for these absences," said forward Ibrahim.

Midfielder Mohammad Ridoy said that Hamza's inclusion would have benefitted the side against Nepal, saying, "Hamza is an important player for Bangladesh. If Hamza could always play with the Bangladesh team, it would be helpful for the team."

Ridoy, however, was also optimistic about producing a good result against Nepal.

"We will be trying to play as per the plan of the coaching staff. We are expecting good results because our target is to win both matches against Nepal."

Head coach Cabrera said that they are viewing the two friendlies against Nepal as part of their preparation for their upcoming Asian Cup Qualifiers matches against Hong Kong and believes it presents an opportunity to the experienced senior players in the side, who have spent more time on the bench in recent games, to prove themselves again.

The two friendlies will be played on September 6 and 9 respectively.

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