Hamza Choudhury, a midfielder for Sheffield United, arrived to a hero’s welcome in Sylhet, Bangladesh, ahead of his debut in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers against India. He recently played a match in the EFL Championship and is expected to strengthen the team during the crucial encounter scheduled for March 25. Bangladesh’s training and strategic preparations are underway as they aim to perform well against India in Shillong.
Sheffield United midfielder Hamza Choudhury has landed at Sylhet airport, receiving a grand welcome from enthusiastic fans, marking a pivotal event in the history of Bangladeshi football. He is set to make his much-anticipated debut for Bangladesh in the initial leg of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers against India on March 25 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.
Prior to his arrival in Bangladesh, Hamza participated in the Sheffield Derby against Sheffield Wednesday, playing a full match on Sunday evening. Sheffield United achieved a 1-0 victory, courtesy of the decisive goal scored by Rhian Brewster.
Hamza Choudhury arrived in Bangladesh with his mother, Rafia Dewan Choudhury, his wife, Olivia Choudhury, their three children, and his two brothers. His father, Dewan Murshid Choudhury, had previously visited three weeks earlier to facilitate arrangements for his son’s return. He will take some time to visit his ancestral home in Bahubal, Habiganj, before heading to Dhaka on Tuesday night.
The Bangladesh national football team, presently training in Taif, Saudi Arabia, is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on Tuesday. Hamza will host an official press conference on Wednesday, following a photo session with the team. He is also anticipated to participate in a training session with head coach Javier Cabrera on the same day.
The 27-year-old midfielder is currently on loan to Sheffield United from Leicester City in the Premier League, with his loan agreement set to expire on May 21, after which he is expected to return to Leicester.
Bangladesh is slated to depart for Shillong, the site of their critical match against India, on March 20 via Kolkata. The team has chosen to arrive early on March 20 rather than the previously scheduled date of March 23, to adapt to Shillong’s weather conditions, which is essential for match preparation.
As Shillong prepares to host its inaugural international football match, the anticipation is palpable. The return of Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri has garnered considerable attention, while the inclusion of Hamza Choudhury in the Bangladesh squad elevates the excitement surrounding this fixture.
Despite India’s superior FIFA ranking, they have encountered difficulty against Bangladesh in recent matches, securing only one victory in their last four encounters, alongside three draws. With Hamza’s addition, Bangladesh’s squad is notably bolstered, given his adaptability in both defensive and central midfield roles. His presence is likely to play a vital role in countering India’s offensive strategies during their match on March 25.
The arrival of Hamza Choudhury in Sylhet marks a significant event for Bangladesh football, where his participation in the upcoming AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers is highly anticipated. With his experience and skills, he is expected to enhance the team’s performance against India, particularly given Bangladesh’s historically strong showings against them. As the team prepares to face India, the excitement surrounding this match reaches new heights, promising an electrifying encounter.
Original Source: revsportz.in
