Jamal, Zayyan in playing XI as Bangladesh gear up for Nepal friendly

Bangladesh captain Jamal Bhuiyan and attacking left-back Zayyan Ahmed have been named in the starting eleven as the men in red and green prepare to face Nepal in a FIFA international friendly at the National Stadium tonight.

The match kicks off at 8:00 pm and will be live telecast on T Sports.

Jamal returns to the starting lineup for the first time since June, when Bangladesh beat Bhutan 2-0 at home in another FIFA friendly. Bangladesh have played four matches since then, having gone winless in all four. 

Midfielder Shamit Shome has been left out of the playing eleven, with head coach Javier Cabrera opting to make three changes from the side that drew 1-1 with Hong Kong last month. Shamit, who arrived early Wednesday morning from Canada, participated in training later in the day but was not included in the final lineup. Maeanwhile, forward Sheikh Morsalin misses out due to injury.

In midfield, Jamal will be joined by Hamza Choudhury, Sohel Rana Sr, and Sohel Rana Jr. The backline features Zayyan, Topu Barman, Tariq Kazi, and Saad Uddin, positioned ahead of goalkeeper Mitul Marma. Rakib Hossain and Faisal Ahmed Fahim will lead the attack as Bangladesh look to ramp up their preparations for the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers fixture against India at home on November 18. 

Cabrera's three changes see Jamal, Sohel Rana Jr, and Fahim come in for Shakil Ahad Topu, Sheikh Morsalin, and Shamit Shome.

Bangladesh Playing XI: Mitul; Tariq, Saad, Topu, Zayyan; Sohel Rana Sr, Sohel Rana Jr, Hamza, Jamal; Rakib, Fahim.