Closed-Door Match in Bahrain, Morsalin Sidelined

The AFC Under-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers are scheduled for September in Vietnam, with Bangladesh’s U-23 squad currently preparing in Bahrain. As part of their build-up, Bangladesh will play their first warm-up match against the Bahrain U-23 team tonight (Monday) at 9:00 PM Bangladesh time.

Although recognised as a FIFA Tier-2 international fixture, both teams have decided to keep the match closed-door, with no public or media access. The second warm-up match between the two sides will be held on 22 August.

Bangladesh forward Sheikh Morsalin will miss the opening match due to injury concerns. Head coach Saiful Bari Titu explained: “Morsalin may not play in this game. He picked up a knock while playing for Abahani in the AFC Challenge League match.”

Bangladesh have been drawn into a challenging group for the upcoming qualifiers:

Coach Titu emphasised the importance of these friendlies, noting: “Bahrain are a strong side, comparable to Vietnam. Playing two matches against them will be very helpful for our preparation.”

Assistant coach Atiqur Rahman Mishu confirmed that the team has been carefully studying Bahrain’s style of play: “We have analysed Bahrain’s last two games. We showed our players videos to highlight how they press high, form blocks in midfield, and initiate pressing from those blocks.”

One of the major challenges the young Tigers are facing in Bahrain is coping with the intense heat. Defender Rimon Hossain commented: “Although the weather in Bahrain is somewhat similar to ours, the heat here is harsher. We are trying to adjust ourselves to these conditions.”

The Bangladesh U-23 team hopes these high-intensity matches, coupled with acclimatisation to tough weather conditions, will sharpen their preparations for the demanding qualifiers ahead.