The 18-year-old US-born striker consistently impressed throughout the tournament, providing evidence of big-game temperament and technical confidence required for international football.

Ultimately, Cabrera’s Bangladesh leaned too heavily on individual moments rather than a defined structure.

Vietnam emerged as the biggest climbers, driven by their dominant performance against Bangladesh and a crucial 3-1 victory over Malaysia.

Reflecting on his first year in international football, the 28-year-old described his experience with Bangladesh as deeply fulfilling.

After dominating the opening half, the men in red and green were forced to withstand sustained pressure from former champions Nepal.

All three goals came in the first half.

Bangladesh wasted little time getting into rhythm in Vietnam, completing an intense training session on Sunday as they stepped up preparations for their upcoming FIFA international friendly against the hosts.

Ronan and Declan, both 18, are eligible to represent Bangladesh through their maternal roots.

They are scheduled to arrive in Guangzhou at 4:45 am on Saturday, before boarding a connecting flight for Hanoi, Vietnam.

The men in red and green have regrouped after a four-month break since their historic win over India last November.

Bangladesh open their SAFF U-20 Championship campaign against Pakistan on March 24, before facing defending champions India in their final Group B match on March 28.

Having featured in four matches for Bangladesh so far, the midfielder admitted his experience with the national team has exceeded expectations.

The 26-year-old, who has 44 international caps, has now recovered from a lateral meniscus cartilage injury and returned to the preliminary squad for upcoming fixtures against Vietnam and Singapore.

Before facing Singapore, the men in red and green will test themselves in a friendly against Vietnam on March 26.

The Leicester City midfielder had raised fitness concerns after sustaining a knee injury and leaving the pitch on crutches during a Championship match against Charlton Athletic on January 31.

Long before she played a key role in Bangladesh securing the inaugural SAFF Women’s Futsal Championship in Thailand earlier this year, the teenage goalkeeper from Mymensingh had already become a phenomenon on rural football grounds.

Making their debut at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, the women in red and green face defending champions China at the 30,000-capacity Western Sydney Stadium in Australia.

Bangladesh now gear up for six days of training, including a practice match against Australian side Western Sydney Wanderers on February 26 before the Asian Cup proper.

The top-tier competition has been on hold since the first phase ended on January 3.

Grade 12 student Masrafi lit up the recently concluded Senior Division Football League by finishing as the top scorer