Isa debuts as Bangladesh take on Lebanon in their campaign opener

Left-back Isa Faysal is all set to make international debut for Bangladesh when the men in red and green take on Lebanon in the opening match of Group B of SAFF Championship at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru, India, today.

The match will kick off at 4:00pm (Bangladesh Standard Time).

Central defender Tapu Barman has also returned to the playing eleven after missing out the last FIFA-friendly match against Cambodia on June 15 as the reliable stopper recovered from a hamstring injury.

Bangladesh head coach, Javier Cabrera, brought two changes in the starting eleven that beat Cambodia 1-0 in a friendly match.

Tariq Raihan Kazi will pair with Tapu while Bishwanath Ghosh will operate as the right-back.

Defensive midfielder Mohammad Sohel Rana and Sohel Rana will position ahead of the four-man backline while striker Suman Reza will be ahead of Mojibur Rahman Jonny, Jamal Bhuiyan and Faisal Ahmed Fahid. 

"Keeping counter-attacking strategy in mind, the coach has picked up the playing eleven," team manager Amer Khan told The Daily Star on the eve of the match.

BANGLADESH ELEVEN:

Goalkeeper: Anisur Rahman Zico.

Defenders: Tariq, Tapu, Bishwanath and Isa.

Midfielders: Mohamamd Sohel, Sohel, Jamal, Jonny and Fahim

Striker: Suman Reza.