Bangladesh have never qualified for the finals of the AFC U-23 Asian Cup.

Last season, clubs could register six foreign players, of whom four were eligible to play. This time, though, each club can sign five foreign players, but only three can feature in any given match.

With 15 clean sheets in 21 games in the Federation Cup and the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Abahani goalkeeper Mitul Marma has been the standout performer this season.

“BFF always tries to innovate -- and in doing so, mistakes can happen. We admit that. The real issue isn’t the delay, but how quickly we can resolve it,” said the BFF president.

With so much to look forward to, Bangladeshi football fans are counting the days left to face Singapore.

A mainstay in domestic football and a reliable presence between the sticks for Bangladesh from 2015 to 2022, Rana also played for Chittagong Abahani, Saif Sporting Club and Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra.

The title-deciding fixture between the two unbeaten sides will kick off at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia at 7:30pm Bangladesh time.

Bangladesh were relatively dominant in terms of possession and chance creation, and it took Golam Rabbani Choton’s charges 73 minutes to break the deadlock.

Kick-off is scheduled for 4 pm (Bangladesh time) at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia.

A spate of incidents has occurred within the past month where referees were assaulted over on-field decisions by club officials, players and supporters.

PWD used to be a regular outfit in top-flight football in the 80s and early 90s

Bangladesh’s domestic competitions are not producing forwards who steal the spotlight in big matches. Goals in lopsided fixtures, played in front of empty stands, do little to prepare players for the intensity of international football.

What should have been a showpiece final in Mymensingh turned into another sorry chapter in domestic football's decline.

Following Sheffield United midfielder Hamza Choudhury’s debut for Bangladesh against India last month, interest among expatriate footballers in representing the national team has seen a notable rise. Canada-based midfielder Shamit Shome has already expressed his desire to play for Bangladesh.

According to the long-serving captain, the most notable transformation since Hamza’s arrival has been a dramatic rise in team confidence.

The 27-year-old, currently a regular for Cavalry FC in the Canadian Premier League, was previously capped twice in friendlies for the Canada senior team in 2020.

A total of 245 matches have taken place globally since the December 2024 rankings, with teams from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and South America competing in FIFA World Cup 26 qualifiers.

Fresh off their hard-fought goalless draw against India in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers, Bangladesh’s national footballers took a break from the grind to spread festive cheer, extending Eid-ul-Fitr greetings to fans worldwide.

Ridoy had the simplest of chances to put Bangladesh ahead against India in the 12th minute.

It wasn’t just his skills on the pitch that won hearts—it was his character.