Topu returns after recovering from injury; Mursalin misses out

In the 2018 SAFF Championship, Bangladesh defeated Pakistan thanks to a goal from Topu Barman. Eight years later, the hosts are set to face Pakistan once again in the SAFF Championship in Dhaka. After missing two matches due to an injury, Topu Barman has been included in the 23-man squad for today’s semi-final against Pakistan.

Since the tournament began outside of the FIFA international window, teams were permitted to name a 28-man squad for the SAFF Championship, with a 23-man roster selected for each individual match. Fahmidul, who was not part of the 23-man squad for the last match, has been included in the final roster by Bangladesh head coach Thomas Dooley for today’s game.

Sad Uddin has been ruled out of the squad due to injury, and his brother, Taj Uddin, is also left out for today’s match. Expatriate footballer Mahe Khan, as in the previous two matches, is not included in the 23-man squad, and Swadhin has also been left out of the final selection.

Forward Sheikh Morsalin, who emerged as a talent during the 2023 SAFF Championship in Bengaluru, did not feature in the opening match of this tournament. Although he was included in the 23-man squad for the following match, he did not get any playing time. He has not been named in the squad for today’s semi-final.

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