Afghanistan Cancels Bangladesh Tour, Nepal Confirmed as New Opponent

Before facing India in the Asian Cup Qualifiers, the Bangladesh national football team had planned to play a preparatory friendly match against Afghanistan. However, that fixture, which was scheduled to take place in Dhaka, has now been cancelled. The development was confirmed by Golam Gaus, Chairman of the Competition Committee of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF).

Bangladesh are set to play an important qualifier match against India on 18 November at the Bangabandhu National Stadium. As part of their preparation, Jamal Bhuyan’s side were scheduled to meet Afghanistan on 13 November in a FIFA international friendly.

Originally, Bangladesh was also set to host Afghanistan’s ‘home match’ against Myanmar in the Asian Cup Qualifiers at a neutral venue. Simultaneously, Bangladesh planned to face Afghanistan in a separate friendly. However, Myanmar objected to travelling to Dhaka for their fixture, resulting in the cancellation of Afghanistan’s scheduled home match. Consequently, Afghanistan also withdrew from their planned friendly against Bangladesh, effectively cancelling their tour.

Golam Gaus, Chairman of the BFF Competition Committee, stated, “Afghanistan have informed us that they will not be travelling to Bangladesh as Myanmar have refused to play in Dhaka. We were searching for an alternative opponent and have now finalised an agreement with Nepal.”

Under the guidance of head coach Javier Cabrera, the Bangladesh team are currently continuing their training sessions. The friendly match against Nepal will serve as a crucial opportunity for the Red and Greens to assess their preparation ahead of the vital clash against India.

According to the BFF, Bangladesh will face Nepal on 13 November at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka. This will be Jamal Bhuyan and his team’s only warm-up match during the November FIFA international window.